DETERMINING THE FREQUENCY OF EATING DISORDERS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE FEMALES OF AGE 18-26 YEARS IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN: USING EAT- 26 AND Its ASSOCIATION WITH EATING HABITS

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are rising among young females, often linked to poor dietary habits, distorted body image, and sociocultural pressures. Objective: To assess the prevalence of eating disorders and their association with BMI, pica behavior, and junk food intake among undergraduate female students in Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 female undergraduates from two government and two private universities using the EAT-26 and FFQ questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0; chi-square test was applied with p < 0.05 as significant. Results: Mean age of participants was 20.6 ± 1.78 years. Based on EAT-26, 49.3% were at risk of an eating disorder. Significant associations were found between eating disorders and BMI (p = 0.003), pica behavior (p = 0.001), and junk food intake (p = 0.054). Private university students showed a higher prevalence (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Nearly half of undergraduate females exhibited disordered eating attitudes. Preventive interventions and awareness programs are essential to promote healthy eating behaviors among university students.