Which of the following best describes the current understanding of the relationship between pubertal timing and eating disorders?
A) Girls who experience eating disorders at the onset of puberty are trying to regain their prepubescent body, which is closer to the Western female beauty ideal.
B) Girls who hit puberty earlier than their peers are at particular risk for eating disorders.
C) Puberty tends to cause eating problems or eating disorders.
D) Puberty may be a time of greater risk, even if it is not a cause of eating disorders.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Puberty may be a time of greater risk for developing an eating disorder, even if it is not a direct cause. Girls who experience early puberty may feel self-conscious about their maturing bodies and be more likely to feel pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. Additionally, the hormonal changes associated with puberty may contribute to mood changes and body dissatisfaction, which can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. However, there is no evidence that girls with eating disorders are trying to regain a prepubescent body, and not all girls who hit puberty earlier than their peers will develop an eating disorder.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Current Understanding of the Relationship