Study uncovers eating problems in young people

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Eating problems are common among schoolchildren, according to research

According to the research, 18% of school children admitted they had eating problems and those who had them were more likely to report multiple psychological problems and health complaints.

Findings were based on a survey of 372 students aged between 15 and 17 and were repeated one year later with the same pupils.

Lea Hautala, from the Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic at the University of Turku, Finland, said: 'A total of 66 students reported eating problems – 23 only reported problems in the first survey, 24 only reported them in the second survey and 19 reported them in both surveys.'

Journal of Advanced Nursing (2008) 62: 622-641