The Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS): a study of middle school students.

OBJECTIVE

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are known to occur in children although prevalence studies are lacking.

METHOD: Using a newly developed self-report instrument, the Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS), 3,175 students (1,610 females, 1,565 males) enrolled in grades 5 to 8 were surveyed.

RESULTS

More than 40% of respondents reported feeling fat and/or the wish to lose weight. These frequencies of weight control behaviors were reported, many of which were significantly greater in girls than boys (*p < 0.05, chi-square): dieting (31.4%*), fasting (8.7%*), diet pill use (2.4%*), vomiting (4.8%), diuretic use (1.5%). The effects of age, grade, weight, and race on responses are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings demonstrate that development of prevention programs aimed at recognizing problem eating behavior in children is indicated.