Adherence

A dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program significantly reduces thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dieting, negative affect, and bulimic symptoms in high-risk young women compared to a measurement-only control, though a healthy weight management placebo control also yields similar reductions in secondary outcomes.

For young women concerned about body image, simply learning about healthy eating may not be enough to change behaviors. A program that actively challenges the 'thin ideal' through writing and role-play (dissonance-based intervention) can significantly reduce body dissatisfaction and bulimic symptoms. However, note that a healthy weight management program also showed benefits for dieting and mood, suggesting that active engagement in health behaviors is also valuable.