ABSTRACT
Data suggest that eating disorder diagnoses and disordered eating may be higher among military personnel as compared to the civilian population. Such findings may be due to military-specific factors that jointly increase risk for disordered eating and inhibit help-seeking behaviors. The experiences of military service also impact family members, with evidence suggesting that both active duty service members and their dependents may be at heightened risk for eating disorders and associated psychopathology. Given the demands faced by the military family, research and clinical practice must account for the unique needs of this population. In this chapter, risk factors such as weight and fitness standards, frequent relocations, combat and trauma exposure, and cultural attitudes toward obesity and the utilization of mental health services will be discussed as they relate to the onset and maintenance of eating disorders. Although information is emerging regarding these individual risk factors, there are currently no national eating disorder treatment programs established specifically for this population. As such, culturally sensitive clinical research is needed to develop and implement effective treatment approaches that may be easily disseminated to service members and their families.
