Objective:

to systematically review and quantify the effectiveness of preventive interventions for eating disorders (TCA).

Method:

numerous electronic databases have been used with different keywords to compile randomized controlled studies carried out from 2009 to 2019 in relation to the prevention of eating disorders.

Results:

one hundred and thirteen articles were included, 21 for universal prevention, 84 for selective, and 8 for indicated. Small or moderate effect sizes were found in reducing risk factors for eating disorders that occur up to three years after the intervention. For universal prevention, media education has proven to be the intervention that significantly reduces concern about body image and weight for both women and men. Regarding selective prevention, cognitive dissonance (CD) interventions were superior to control interventions to reduce TCA symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown higher effect sizes relative to TCA risk factors at the nine-month follow-up. Healthy Weight program reduced eating disorder risk factors and body mass index. Likewise, multicomponent interventions were effective in reducing behaviors associated with eating disorders. No indicated preventive intervention was shown to be effective in reducing risk factors for eating disorders.

Conclusion:

interventions based on CD, media education, CBT, the Healthy Weight program and multicomponent interventions are presented as promising preventive interventions to reduce risk factors for eating disorders. However, the decline in the incidence of eating disorders is uncertain. Obesity prevention interventions require further research, as well as those based on mindfulness, which have increased in recent years.

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