This study determines the correlation between anxiety and eating disorders in undergraduate nursing students at a university in Mexico. It is a quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional field study. The sample consisted of 82 students. Data collection used three instruments: one to identify risky eating attitudes, a screening test for anorexia and bulimia, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety levels. 17.1% of the students presented with eating disorders. Within the group with eating disorders, 64.6% were at risk of developing one. 46.3% reported Body Dysmorphic Disorder, perceiving themselves as overweight despite the contrary opinions of others. Regarding mental health, 30.5% presented with moderate to high levels of anxiety. A significant correlation (0.99) was found between a diagnosis of Eating Disorder and specific anxiety symptoms, such as worry about losing control over food and the feeling that food dominates the individual’s life. The influence of social factors and social media triggers body dissatisfaction and risky behaviors. The overall correlation between anxiety and eating disorders was not conclusive (0.152); however, the association with questions about food control suggests that anxiety manifests in a fragmented way in restrictive behaviors. Perfectionism and academic stress are risk factors. There is a high vulnerability to eating disorders among nursing students, exacerbated by a distorted perception of body image.
Keywords: Anxiety, Body Image, comorbidity, eating disorders
