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Precursors of the Binge-Purge Syndrome?

Joel D. Killen, PhD; C. Barr Taylor, MD; Michael J. Teich, PhD; Keith E. Saylor, ScM; David J. Maron, MD; Thomas N. Robinson

JAMA. 1986;255(11):1447-1449.

Abstract
Bulimia (binge-purge syndrome) is a recently described but apparently common eating disorder. Purging behaviors associated with bulimia can cause serious medical complications. Prevalence data on purging behaviors are lacking for younger adolescents. A survey was conducted with 1,728 tenth-grade students to assess their attitudes about eating, dieting, weight control, and frequency of purging. Height, weight, and skin-fold thicknesses were also measured. Thirteen percent reported purging behavior. Female purgers outnumbered male purgers 2 to 1. Male purgers were significantly heavier than male nonpurgers and had significantly greater skin-fold thicknesses and weight/height² ratios. Both male and female purgers felt guiltier after eating large amounts of food, counted calories more often, dieted more frequently, and exercised less than nonpurgers. Our findings suggest that an alarming number of young adolescents may employ unhealthy weight regulation strategies. Physicians who see adolescents should look for the presence of the attitudes and behaviors that characterize bulimia; this will enhance the likelihood of detection of the disorder and prevention of its complications.

(JAMA 1986;255:1447-1449)

Author Affiliations
From the Center for Research in Disease Prevention, Stanford (Calif) University School of Medicine.

Footnotes
Reprint requests to Center for Research in Disease Prevention, HRP Bldg, Room 9, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 (Dr Killen).

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