Psychological Correlates of Eating Disorder Risk Based on Sexand Body Mass Index in Mexican University Students

Abstract

Introduction. Eating disorders are complex conditions influenced by psychological and physiological factors, including sex and body mass index (BMI). Objective. This study aimed to identify psychological correlates of eating disorder risk based on sex and BMI among Mexican university students. Materials and Methods. A non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive design was employed. BMI was calculated from measured weight and height, and psychological risk factors were assessed using the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3). The sample consisted of 126 students from a public university in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, including 57.9% women (n = 73) and 42.1% men (n = 53), aged 18 to 23 years (M = 18.0, SD = 1.20). Results. Significant differences were found in psychological variables related to eating disorder risk, primarily based on sex and BMI. Women reported higher levels of drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and interpersonal insecurity. Fear of maturity was the most elevated factor in both sexes. Additionally, higher BMI was associated with increased scores in drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, bulimia, low self-esteem, and perfectionism. Conclusions. Findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and early detection strategies in university populations.