Warning Signs of Eating Disorders among Adolescent Girls in Visakhapatnam City

Research question: What are the warning signs of common eating disorders among adolescent girls and is it affecting their nutritional status? Methodology : A cross sectional study designed to 1) to assess the warning signs of eating disorders 2) to assess its effect on nutritional status and 3) to have an insight about actual weight as compared to perceived weight among adolescent girls studying in High school, junior college (+2/ intermediate courses) in Visakhapatnam City. A sample of 150 was considered for the study. Information on study variables was collected using a pretested questionnaire. Data was analyzed using MS Excel. Results: More than half had at least one of the warning signs of eating disorders; 64% skipped meals at various frequencies in a week, 43.33% were avoiding high fat diet and 62% were getting averted by former favorite food stuffs. Nearly one tenth of girls lost 5 kgs of weight in short span of time and 40% had fear of weight gain. Mood variation/ irritability was experienced by 56 %. Menstrual irregularities were seen in 25 %. Conclusion: Warning signs of eating disorders were reported high among our adolescents suggesting a need for increase in awareness on key nutritional issues. Early detection of such behaviors and counseling will help bringing in behavioral change.