The survey contained questions on eating behavior, weight, lifestyle habits, parental substance abuse, history of physical abuse, extrafamilial sex abuse, and incest. Eating disorders were correlated with all types of abuse, although differences were observed in the prevalence of eating and weight problems and in child abuse according to gender and race. The presence of an eating disorder was correlated with the presence of other addictive behaviors, family history of substance abuse, low self- esteem, hopelessness, and anxiety. The author recommends careful and sensitive interviews about abuse be conducted with male and female adolescents whose behavior patterns include nutritional, exercise, and weight problems. Such interviews may help identify young people who need preventive treatment and those who need assistance in halting abuse. 36 references and 4 tables