Eating Disorder Risk Among Italian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Anthropometric and Psychometric Screening Study

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) are among the most severe psychiatric conditions affecting young people, with increasing prevalence in the post-pandemic period. This study assessed the prevalence of ED risk and dysfunctional eating behaviors among Italian university students, a population poorly characterized with respect to ED risk, and examined associations with key socio-demographic and anthropometric variables. Methods: A cross-sectional online screening study was conducted between August 2023 and February 2026 with 401 Italian university students (women: n = 306; men: n = 95). Participants completed the validated Italian versions of the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q 6.0), alongside self-reported anthropometric data. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of ED risk scores. Results: 37.9% of participants had an abnormal BMI (19.7% underweight; 18.2% overweight or obese). EAT-26 scores exceeded the clinical cut-off in 28.4% of participants (women: 35.6%; men: 5.3%). EDE-Q 6.0 global scores exceeded the clinical cut-off in 21.0% (women: 25.8%; men: 5.3%). Only 45.4% showed no anthropometric or psychometric risk indicators. Gender was the strongest predictor of both EAT-26 and EDE-Q 6.0 scores. BMI was negatively associated with EAT-26 scores in the total sample and in women, while a positive association between BMI and EDE-Q 6.0 scores was observed in men. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of Italian university students, particularly women, presented clinically significant ED risk. The combined use of anthropometric and psychometric screening tools provides a more comprehensive risk assessment than either measure alone, highlighting the need for multidimensional screening programs.