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. 2023 May 15;15(10):2317.
doi: 10.3390/nu15102317.

Global Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Nutrition and Dietetic University Students: A Systematic Scoping Review

Sarah Budhiwianto  1 , Christie J Bennett  1 , Claire A Bristow  2 , Janeane Dart  1
Affiliations

Global Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Nutrition and Dietetic University Students: A Systematic Scoping Review

Sarah Budhiwianto et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Background: Nutrition and dietetics (ND) training encourages behaviors that can be considered risk factors for eating disorders or disordered eating. This paper aims to explore the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) and predictors of eating disorders (/P-EDs) in ND students.

Methods: A systematic scoping review of the literature was performed on PubMed, ERIC, PsychINFO, OVID Medline, and Scopus in October 2022.

Results: A total of 2097 papers were retrieved from the search, of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The resultant literature reported that 4-32% of ND students were at high risk of EDs (n = 6 studies), and 23-89% could be classified as having orthorexia nervosa (n = 7 studies). Further, 37-86% reported body image/fat dissatisfaction (n = 10 studies), and 100% of students reported weight dissatisfaction (n = 1 study).

Conclusions: This paper highlights the prevalence of EDs and P-EDs across ND students. Further research is warranted to explore the cause, context, and impact on ND students' wellbeing and professional identity and supporting diversity within the profession. Future studies should also consider curriculum approaches to address this occupational hazard.

Keywords: body dissatisfaction; dietetic education; disordered eating; eating disorders; nutrition.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram of included studies in the systematic scoping review.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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