Eating and weight attitudes among a sample of Maltese University students : a closer look at disordered eating

Abstract

Based on the conviction that disordered eating has increased over the past years this research project aims to investigate the frequency of this kind of eating amongst a sample of Maltese University Students. In addition, it also aims to study some descriptive differences among males and female subjects in relation to their weight and shape. By distributing a standardized questionnaire to 182 male and female subjects, it was revealed that 25 subjects (14%) of the total sample population engage in disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. These 25 participants consisted of 20 (21.97%) females and 5 (5.49%) males. A close comparison of the attitudes and behaviours of these 25 participants with that of their counterparts [n=157] revealed how disordered eating and eating disorders whether in full bloom or partially present plague the minds of these people and disrupt their normal life functioning. Females in comparison with males are more likely to engage in various abnormal eating attitudes and behaviours in order to control their weight and shape. The study finally attempts to put forward recommendations that may help young people and those who come into close contact with them to prevent disordered eating and eating disorders. Various tasks and roles that the Youth and Community Worker would ideally adopt are also included.