The rising prevalence of comorbid obesity and eating disorder behaviors from 1995 to 2005

OBJECTIVE: To measure the cooccurrence of obesity and eating disorder (ED) behaviors in the South Australian population and assess the change in level from 1995 to 2005.

METHOD: Two independent cross-sectional single stage interview based population surveys were conducted a decade apart. Self-reported height, weight, ED behaviors, and sociodemographics were assessed. Changes between the two time points were analyzed.

RESULTS: From 1995 to 2005 the population prevalence of comorbid obesity and ED behaviors increased from 1 to 3.5%. Comorbid obesity and ED behaviors increased more (prevalence odds ratio (POR) = 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 95% CI = [2.8, 7.4]; p < .001) than either obesity (POR = 1.6; 95% CI = [1.3, 2.0]; p < .001) or ED behaviors (POR = 3.1; 95% CI = [2.3, 4.1]; p < .001) alone.

DISCUSSION: Comorbid obesity and ED behaviors are an increasing problem in our society. Prevention and treatments efforts for obesity and EDs must consider and address this increasing comorbidity.