Objective There is little data on the prevalence of eating disorders in Azarian populations. We therefore undertook this study to estimate disordered eating attitudes among high school girls in Tabriz, and their relation to demographic parameters.

Methods 1887 high school girls were selected. Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) and socioeconomical questions were used. An EAT-26 score of 20 or higher was defined as an eating disorder attitude.

Results The translated EAT-26 had good reliability and validity. In total, 16.7% (95% CI 15.1 to 18.3%) of students had disordered eating attitudes. The mean of EAT-26 was higher in groups who considered themselves as obese, decided they wanted to lose weight, were smokers, and who had age of menarche less than 11. Parental literacy or job, birth order, family size or income and house ownership did not have any significant effect on EAT-26 score.

Conclusions The Persian version of EAT-26 can be used in Azarian adolescents. Prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among Azarian adolescent girls are in the range of some studies. Body weight dissatisfaction, smoking and early menarche have important roles in eating attitudes.