Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
EDINBURGH, Scotland, Sep 20, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A study by researchers at King's College in London has found overweight children are at risk for becoming bulimic adults.
The study examined 154 twin sisters, one of each developed an eating disorder. Researchers found those with bulimia had often gorged themselves with food and had been less picky about what they ate as children, the BBC reported Monday.
Deanne Jade of the National Center for Eating Disorders said it was understandable how obese children can develop bulimia.
"If a child is overweight they are subject to teasing and are likely to be very sensitive about their bodies ... consequently they are more likely to diet and it's that, more than anything, which is a risk factor for bulimia," she said. "Dieting changes someone's relationship with food and, generally speaking, will create cravings that can lead to bingeing."
The researchers presented their findings at the Royal College of Psychiatrist's conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Copyright 2004 by United Press International.
