Fatores associados à ocorrência de transtornos alimentares na adolescência

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the recent literature to elucidate the risk factors associated with the occurrence of eating disorders in adolescents. Methods: Searches were performed in the electronic databases PUBMED, LILACS and SCIELO, using the keywords “eating disorders”, “adolescents”, “adolescence”, “risk factors”, “transtornos alimentares”, “adolescentes”, “adolescência”, e “fatores de risco”. The inclusion criteria used for selecting articles were: publications in English, Portuguese and Spanish; from 2015 to 2019; and available in full text and free of charge. Results: 2,747 articles were found that, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulted in 34 studies to be analyzed. Among the 34 publications, 23.5% pointed out that “female gender” can be considered as the most prevalent risk factor, as well as “dissatisfaction with body image”, present in the same proportion of studies. In addition, several biological, psychological, genetic and environmental factors have been identified that significantly influence the risk of eating disorders in adolescents, and the family and school environments also showed a strong association with the risk of these disorders. Conclusion: Female adolescents and/or those dissatisfied with their own body image are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders that can last into adulthood. The family functioning environment, as well as the relationship with parents and colleagues can increase the risk of eating disorders in adolescents of both genders.