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Evidence summaries

Influence of Eating-Disordered Mothers on Their Children

The female offspring of mothers with eating disorders may be in risk of later development of eating disorder. Level of evidence: "C"

In a case-control study 1 mothers (n=41) with past or present eating disorder (ED) and normal controls (n=153) were followed prospectively. Female infants of ED mothers sucked significantly faster and were weaned 9 months later than offspring of the controls. ED mothers fed their children less regurlarly, used food for non-nutritive purposes and demonstrated higher concern on their daughters weight than controls. At 5 years, the offspring of ED mothers were reported to demonstrate greater negative affect than the offspring of NED mothers. The authors conclude that these factors may pose a serious risk for the later development of an eating disorder.

    References

    • Agras S, Hammer L, McNicholas F. A prospective study of the influence of eating-disordered mothers on their children. Int J Eat Disord 1999 Apr;25(3):253-62. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords