ABSTRACT
Objectives of review. The explosive growth in research in the area of body image has produced a wealth of work relevant to understanding eating disorders. This review will summarize the body image literature from 2003-2004 that specifically relates to eating disorders, eating behavior and dieting.
Summary of recent findings. Recent experimental, correlational and prospective studies not only indicate the predictive utility of body image measures in explaining eating disturbances, but also offer insights into the potential risk factors that illuminate the onset and perpetuation of body image problems. New assessment strategies have also emerged in the last two years and researchers are beginning to document the body image changes subsequent to an eating disorders treatment program.
Future directions. Future work needs to further evaluate the specific effects of body image treatment paradigms targeted toward eating disturbances, along with a renewed focus on whether the current definitional schemes for body image disturbance are optimal.
