Eating disorders (ED) and disordered eating (DE) have significant negative impacts upon an individual’s physical and mental health. In 2023 approximately 4% of Australians were living with an eating disorder (ED), and in adolescence a further 31.6% engaged in DE behaviours(1,2). Although women and young people aged 15-19 years were more likely to have an ED(1), little is known about the prevalence of ED and DE in women trying to conceive.
To determine the prevalence of ED and DE amongst women pre-conception.
The Begin Better Randomised Controlled Trial (ACTRN12621000128897) is a pre-conception dietary and lifestyle trial. Women with a BMI > 18.5kg/m2, considering a baby in the next two years, were randomised into either an intervention or control group. Women in the intervention group attended an individualised appointment with the research dietitian. Women who self-reported a diagnoses of an eating disorder by a qualified health professional were classified as having an ED. Women who self-reported having an ED were classified as self-reported DE (SRDE) and women only reporting behaviours consistent with an ED were classified as dietitian observed DE (DODE).
Diet histories from 186 participants were analysed. Overall, 26.3% of women across all BMI categories had either a diagnosed ED or DE (SRDE + DODE). For women with a BMI between 18.5-24.9kg/m2 (normal), 2.0% (1/49) had a diagnosed ED, 18.4% SRDE (9/49) and no women with DODE in this group. For women with a BMI ≥25kg/m2 (overweight/obese), 5.8% (8/137) had a diagnosed ED, 19.7% SRDE (27/137) and 2.9% DODE (4/137).
More than 1 in 4 women considering a baby have an ED or DE; this should inform the interactions and practice of health professionals, to limit potential negative effects on physical and mental health as well as the development or exacerbation of an ED.