Eating disorders are severe psychiatric conditions that often start in adolescence. They present with other serious health problems, have a high mortality rate, and are becoming increasingly prevalent in the UK population. Prevention of eating disorders is the ultimate aim but knowledge of risk factors for eating disorders is limited.

There is no consensus about the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and eating disorder incidence in adolescence as current research is based on cross-sectional studies in adults. Different aspects of SES might have different effects on eating disorder symptoms (e.g., parental education and income). SES might have indirect effects on eating disorders via food insecurity, poor dietary patterns, and early mental health problem, however these hypotheses have not been previously tested.

Our proposed research will help identify childhood risk factors for eating disorders and inform future preventative interventions.