Keywords

body image, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, eating disorders, parents, children

Abstract

Eating disorders are prevalent in Western society and are highly influenced by body dissatisfaction and disordered eating patterns. Disordered eating refers to unhealthy behaviors used to control and influence weight with the potential to become eating disorders. Eating disorders can lead to or further accelerate both physical and emotional damage. As such, it is important to determine possible contributing factors to decrease negative outcomes. Because parents are typically the primary caretakers of children, it is necessary for nurse practitioners (NPs) to know how to best educate parents in the prevention of eating disorders in their children. This clinical paper provides the most current research in how parents can promote positive body image and healthy attitudes regarding food in their children.