A school‐based eating disorder prevention program (Me, You & Us) for young adolescents in Korea: A 3‐year follow‐up study

Objective The study aimed to examine the feasibility and long‐term effects of a school‐based eating disorder prevention program for young adolescents in Korea. Method We followed up the students (n = 133) who had participated in the prevention program at 3 years ago to evaluate changes in body esteem and self‐esteem between postintervention and 3‐year follow‐up, with investigating whether gender moderated the effect of time. Results Boys showed no decline in body esteem and self‐esteem from postintervention to 3‐year follow‐up, indicating that the prevention program alleviated decreases in body esteem and self‐esteem over time. Girls showed decreases in body esteem and self‐esteem from postintervention to 3‐years follow‐up. Discussion This study provides evidence supporting the feasibility of the school‐based eating disorder prevention program targeting mixed‐sex, young adolescents in Korea. Given the developmental trajectories of decrease in body esteem and self‐esteem during adolescence, the program may be efficient for boys over time. Boosters and/or complementary prevention approaches across gender are needed.