Eating Disorder Symptomology in Intermittent Fasters: A Comparison to Community and Clinical Norms

UND Columbia Hall, 1370

Intermittent fasting (IF) is becoming popular in dieting and fitness communities, however, little is known about the psychological aspects of IF. To address this gap 47 men and 123 women who self-identified as using IF were recruited online. Participants completed an online questionnaire regarding implementation of IF, and eating disorder symptomology (EDE-Q). Intermittent fasters’ scores on the EDE-Q were compared to community and clinical gender norms. Both IF males and females showed significant elevations on the global EDE-Q relative to clinical and community norms. Notably, IF males showed significant elevations on subscales of the EDE-Q relative to community and clinical norms. Results are discussed in terms of gender differences pertaining to symptom presentation.