Maintenance of internet-based prevention: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: Excessive weight or shape concerns and dieting are among the most important and well-established risk factors for the development of symptoms of disordered eating or full-syndrome eating disorders. Prevention programs should therefore target these factors in order to reduce the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. The aims of this study were to determine the short-term and maintenance effects of an internet-based prevention program for eating disorders.

Method: One hundred female students at two German universities were randomly assigned to either an 8-week intervention or a waiting-list control condition and assessed at preintervention, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up.

Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention produced significant and sustained effects for high-risk women.

Conclusion: Internet-based prevention is effective and can be successfully adapted to a different culture.