Eating disorders risk groups in the Czech Republic--cross-sectional epidemiologic pilot study.

Objective: determination of risk groups for eating disorders in the population of young girls, primarily affiliated to certain sports or professional categories.

Method: standardized Eating Attitude Test (EAT) questionnaire (40 questions) and general attitude questionnaire (43 other questions specific to eating disorders) were used.

Results: out of the total 403 persons questioned 11.7% had a score from EAT questionnaire > 29 points. These persons represent a potential risk population for the eventual development of eating disorder. Out of the total 403 persons 10.9% had the Body Mass Index (BMI) lower or equal to 17.5. Out of these, only 5 individuals had the score > 29 because, especially at potential or initial stages, these two parameters do not have to necessarily correspond. Top gymnasts and figure skaters, followed by the models, dancers, ballet dancers and the cosmetic school students can be classified as having the highest degree of risk.

Discussion: assessment of the frequency of the condition which already shows signs of the beginning of a food intake disorder is important prerequisite for primary and secondary prevention of this disorder.