The study aims to analyse the risk of eating disorder emergence in secondary school students. Data were collected by questionnaire method. The questionnaire battery consisted of nominal variables and the EDE-Q Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire scale. 776 secondary school students participated in the research. The mean age of respondents was 17. The empirical research identified 247 (31.8%) respondents displaying symptoms of eating disorders at least in one of four examined dimensions of the EDE-Q scale (Restraint, Eating Concerns, Shape Concerns, Weight Concerns). Significant differences were found in eating disorder symptoms regarding the preferred eating form. Respondents ticking the option “I buy my food” achieved the highest scores. Also, a significant difference in eating disorder symptoms was identified according to the accommodation type, where students living in “sublets” can be considered to be at the highest risk in this regard. A significant difference in the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms was also recorded in terms of gender, where girls scored statistically significantly higher than boys in the monitored dimensions.

This study aimed to review the literature on anorexia prevention programmes targeting the general population and populations at risk and to describe the programmes selected for the review. Methods: The review was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines. The following digital databases were explored: PsychINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. 412 records, including 92 full-length research articles, were critically analysed. Fourteen studies that met all inclusion criteria were ultimately included in the analysis. Results: Most studies described prevention programmes for adolescents or young adults. The majority of the reviewed programmes targeted girls and young women. General and selective prevention programmes were the predominant types of interventions. The evaluated programmes differed considerably in content, modality, and duration. All of the reviewed studies have been published in the last 18 years. Conclusions: Further research is needed to develop anorexia prevention programmes that are more effective, deliver more lasting outcomes, and can be applied in various populations. Methods supporting the broad implementation of such programmes should also be identified.