Extract

Background and study aims Body image concerns and chaotic eating behaviors such as unhealthy dieting and binge eating are becoming increasingly common in teenagers. These problems are common at both ends of the spectrum, with both eating disorders (such as anorexia and bulimia) and obesity. Adolescence is a particularly turbulent time, and studies have shown that being very overweight or underweight can dramatically lower self-esteem and mood. It is therefore very important to promote healthy eating and exercise habits to young people in order to prevent these conditions and their consequences. This study will test a new internet program which is geared towards promoting healthy eating and exercise, as well information about improving body image and to learning how to deal with difficult emotions. The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of this program at preventing eating disorders and obesity in school age adolescents. Who can participate? All students aged 14 to 19 years old who attend participating Austrian and Spanish schools. What does the study involve? Schools that agree to participate in this study are assigned to one of two groups. All participants taking part complete an online questionnaire, which includes about eating and physical activity habits, attitudes towards weight and shape, feelings, self-esteem and quality of life. Students attending schools in the first group take part in the internet-based prevention program “Staying Fit”. Based on the results of the initial online-questionnaire, participants are allocated to one of two tracks to fit their specific needs (overweight students take part in a program geared towards weight management and healthy weight student take part in a program about healthy habits). Both tracks consist of eight modules where the participants learn how to build healthy eating and exercise habits, to improve their body image and to learn how to deal with difficult emotions. The participants are able to work on these modules (one 30 minute module per week) during school hours and/or at home. Following completion of the initial questionnaires, participants in the second group continue as normal and are not given access to the Staying Fit program for the 12 month study. After the end of the program as well as 6 and 12 months later, participants in both groups complete the online questionnaires again to see if there has been any change to their eating and exercise habits, diet, self-esteem and mood. At the end of the 12 month study, participants in the second group are given access to the “Staying Fit” program. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants who take part in the Staying Fit program may learn to better cope it difficult situations and learn to respect themselves as they are, helping them to feel better. The study could also lead to improved eating and exercise habits, which is beneficial for their health. There are no real risks of taking part however some participants may feel uncomfortable or embarrassing when answering certain questions in the questionnaires, although they are given the opportunity to talk about this with the team anonymously at any time. Where is the study run from? 1. Medical University of Vienna (Austria) 2. Ferdinand-Porsche FernFH (Austria) 3. Jaume I University (Spain) 4. University of Valencia (Spain) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? September 2015 August 2019 Who is funding the study? European Commission (Belgium) Who is the main contact? 1. Dr Megan Jones (scientific) 2. Professor Andreas Karwautz (scientific) 3. Professor Rosa Maria Banos Rivera (scientific)

Inclusion criteria

• 1. Eating Disorders 2. Obesity

Links

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