The natural course of eating pathology in female university students

This study investigated the natural course of eating pathology in a sample of female university students. Seventy-nine students were recruited in their first month of the university, 24 of whom endorsed objective binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors based on an initial screening interview. Testing sessions occurred every 6 months for the following 2 1/2 years and included the assessment of eating pathology, general psychopathology and well-being, weight, and exposure to psychological or psychiatric treatment. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects linear regression model. Whereas general psychopathology decreased during the study, eating pathology was fairly stable. The symptomatic participants experienced significantly more weight fluctuations over the course of the study than did in the control participants. None of the symptomatic participants sought treatment for their eating and eating pathology showed little evidence of spontaneous remission. Larger, follow-up studies of changes to untreated eating pathology over time are recommended.

► Female students were tested every 6 months for their first 3 years of the university. ► Eating pathology, psychological adjustment, treatment, and weight were assessed. ► Women who were initially symptomatic of an ED were compared to normal controls. ► Eating pathology was stable over time and did not remit spontaneously. ► Symptomatic individuals reported more weight fluctuations than did in the controls.