Anthropometric parameters and risk of eating disorders in adolescents from Lima

Huaroc Jamanca S.J.; Guija Guerra H. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2026) · DOI: 10.12873/461sjhuaroc

Resumen

Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) are psychiatric disorders characterized by patterns of eating behavior that affect the nutritional status of adolescents, a situation that has increased in recent years. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between anthropometric parameters and the risk of eating disorders in adolescents from a private educational institution in Lima. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and correlational study was conducted with 133 adolescents. Anthropometric parameters, including weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and abdominal circumference, were assessed. Subsequently, the risk of eating disorders was evaluated using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and the relationship between variables was analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results:77% of adolescents were classified as not at risk for eating disorders. Regarding correlations, the risk of eating disorders showed a weak negative correlation with abdominal circumference (Rho = –0.205; p < 0.05). The “diet” factor showed a weak positive correlation with triceps skinfold thickness (Rho = 0.186; p < 0.05). Discussion: The study showed that a higher proportion of men were classified as not at risk for eating disorders, which contrasts with much of the literature, where a higher prevalence is reported in women. This finding should be interpreted with caution, considering the cross-sectional design of the study and the characteristics of the population evaluated. Conclusions: In adolescents, the risk of eating disorders was inversely and weakly associated with abdominal circumference; the “diet” factor showed a direct, weak relationship with the triceps skinfold, while the “bulimia and food preoccupation” factor was inversely and weakly associated with the triceps skinfold, arm circumference, and abdominal circumference.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos