Can we simultaneously work toward the prevention of obesity and eating disorders in children and adolescents?

Abstract

Because of the growing prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents, increased attention is being directed toward its prevention. An important question is: can we simultaneously work toward the prevention of obesity and eating disorders? To address this question, we need to determine (a) if there is a need for integrated approaches; (b) if we can bridge the fields of obesity and eating disorders; (c) if we can foster the development of environments that promote healthy eating and physical activity choices and the acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes; and (d) if we can work toward the development of interventions that have relevance to a broad spectrum of weight-related conditions and behaviors.