Anorexia Prevention in Female College Students

This study evaluated whether an acceptance-based embodied movement program can reduce eating disorder risk and body shape concerns in female college students at elevated risk. A total of 135 female undergraduate and graduate students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: acceptance-based embodied movement, functional fitness control, or psychoeducation. The intervention lasted 8 weeks, and outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and 3-month follow-up. The main outcomes were eating disorder risk and body shape concern. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, body image flexibility, functionality appreciation, and body surveillance.

Inclusion Criteria: * Female undergraduate or graduate students. * Aged 18 to 25 years. * Elevated eating disorder risk or body shape concern based on the prespecified screening threshold. * Physically able to participate in light-intensity physical activity. * Provided written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Current treatment for an eating disorder. * Any physical condition contraindicating participation in exercise. * Pregnancy. * Concurrent participation in another structured body image or exercise program.