Few topics in the field of eating disorders engender as much emotional debate as that of prevention. Too often, preventative plans against eating disorders are highly praised, but not carried out in practical actions. It is often easier and more immediately fulfilling to focus on treatment and not to wait for the long-term effects of prevention, despite the fact that treatment alone does nothing to reduce the incidence of eating disorders.

The Prevention of Eating Disorders offers a survey of modern approaches to eating disorder prevention, arguing that models of prevention as opposed to treatment are conceptually flawed.

The first half of the volume addresses general approaches and dilemmas, including feminist and participatory approaches to the problem and the role played by fashion magazines and television in promoting risk factors such as thin ideal body images and dieting. The second half provides examples of concrete strategies and projects aimed at prevention, including school based programs, approaches to early identification and prevention by general practitioners, and the principles of screening programs.