P0357 - The relationship between eating disorders, physical activity and obesity in women and men - an epidemiological study in Norway

Abstract

The relationship between eating disorders, physical activity and obesity among Norwegian men and women has received increasing interest during recent years. Eating disorders (ED) is commonly referred to among women. Very few studies have been done focusing on male ED. In the present study we present data for both genders.

In the present study, a total of 11000 postal questionnaires were sent out at 3 different time points; 1991 (women 18-60), 2004 (women 18-65), and 2005 (men 18-65 years) in Norway. The total response rates were 74.9%, 45.8%, and 41%, correspondingly.

The main aim of the present study was to study the relationship between eating disorders, physical activity and obesity among Norwegian men and women in the general male population in Norway.

Results:

Preliminary analyses suggest less increase in the prevalence of eating disorders among women between 1991 and 2004 than expected. More men than expected with symptoms of ED. Detailed prevalence numbers for the different eating disorders according to DSM-IV, age cohort analyses, as well as analyses on the relationships between eating disorders, physical activity, and obesity will be presented in April.