Sex Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life Impairment Associated with Eating Disorder Features: A General Population Study

Objective: To determine sex differences in the prevalence and impact of specific eating disorder features on healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL).

Method: A general population sample of men (n 5 1,479) and women (n 5 1,555) completed interviews that assessed HRQoL (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, SF-36), and current regular occurrence of binge eating, extreme dietary restriction, purging, and overevaluation of weight or shape.

Results: Men constituted a substantial minority (23–41%) of participants reporting eating disorder features. Objective binge eating had a greater impact on mental health impairment in men versus women, whereas the overevaluation of weight or shape had a greater impact on general and mental health impairment in women compared with men.

Discussion: Eating disorder features that impact on HRQoL are now common in men; however, the impact of specific features may differ between sexes.