Kendrin Sonneville is a behavioral scientist and public health prevention researcher whose research interests include the intersection of eating disorders and obesity and the integrated prevention of weight-related disorders. Dr. Sonneville has used large cohort studies of youth to study the predictors and consequences of binge eating. The principal goals of her research are to better characterize eating behaviors and psychosocial sequelae of severe obesity, to understand the significance of body satisfaction and weight misperception among obese youth, and to identify approaches which will facilitate early identification and increase treatment-seeking among youth with disordered eating behaviors.
Research Background
Dr. Sonneville is a registered dietitian, Director of Nutrition Training in the Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine in Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Co-Director of the PREP multidisciplinary obesity clinic, and Co-Director of the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED) based at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard School of Public health. Dr. Sonneville is a past recipient of the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and received the 2012 Estherann Grace Teaching Award from the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Publications
Parental Weight Stigma Associated with Self-Directed Weight Talk and Use of Health-Related Restrictive Feeding Practices. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2025 Jan 21. View Abstract
Who gets treated for an eating disorder? Implications for inference based on clinical populations. BMC Public Health. 2024 07 02; 24(1):1758. View Abstract
Social media use and weight bias internalization: association moderated by age and weight perception. J Eat Disord. 2024 Jun 18; 12(1):84. View Abstract
"Be more positive and more kind to your own bodies": Adolescent and young adult preferences for how parents can support their children with weight-related pressures. Body Image. 2024 Sep; 50:101725. View Abstract
Identifying methods used to manage weight and shape by first year university students: A qualitative analysis. Eat Behav. 2024 Apr; 53:101885. View Abstract
The economic and social costs of body dissatisfaction and appearance-based discrimination in the United States. Eat Disord. 2024 Nov-Dec; 32(6):572-602. View Abstract
Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between higher weight and eating disorder risk among collegiate athletes. J Sci Med Sport. 2024 Apr; 27(4):270-275. View Abstract
Competitive Foods' Nutritional Quality and Compliance with Smart Snacks Standards: An Analysis of a National Sample of U.S. Middle and High Schools. Nutrients. 2024 Jan 17; 16(2). View Abstract
Outcome of BMI2+: Motivational Interviewing to Reduce BMI Through Primary Care AAP PROS Practices. Pediatrics. 2024 Jan 01; 153(2). View Abstract
Weight-inclusive, intuitive eating-based workplace wellness program associated with improvements in intuitive eating, eating disorder symptoms, internalized weight stigma, and diet quality. Eat Behav. 2024 Jan; 52:101840. View Abstract
Weight Stigma Associated With Mental Health Concerns Among College Students. Am J Prev Med. 2024 02; 66(2):260-268. View Abstract
At the Same Table: A Delphi Consensus-Based Model of Health-Promoting Eating Behaviors. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 17; 15(16). View Abstract
A new tool to capture dimensions of family dinners in relation to adolescent health and risk-related outcomes: The 'Family Dinner Index'. Prev Med Rep. 2023 Oct; 35:102318. View Abstract
Eating disorder risk in rural US adolescents: What do we know and where do we go? Int J Eat Disord. 2023 02; 56(2):366-371. View Abstract
Weight stigma and physical activity avoidance among college-aged students. J Am Coll Health. 2024 Nov; 72(8):2323-2327. View Abstract
Identifying latent classes of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) consequences in a sample of collegiate female cross country runners. Br J Sports Med. 2023 Feb; 57(3):153-159. View Abstract
Unraveling the meaning of weight misperception in a sample of college students: Unaware or body satisfied? Body Image. 2022 Dec; 43:87-94. View Abstract
Grocery Delivery to Support Healthy Weight Gain Among Pregnant Young Women With Low Income: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2022 Aug 05; 11(8):e40568. View Abstract
Caregiver-reported household food insecurity and child-reported food insecurity in relation to eating disorder risk factors and symptoms among preadolescent children. Int J Eat Disord. 2022 10; 55(10):1331-1341. View Abstract
Adolescent and emerging adult perceptions of eating disorder severity and stigma. Int J Eat Disord. 2022 10; 55(10):1296-1304. View Abstract
Greater social adversity is associated with more disordered eating attitudes and behaviors among children from Southeast Michigan. Int J Eat Disord. 2022 12; 55(12):1670-1677. View Abstract
Content analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on weight and shape control behaviors and social media content of U.S. adolescents and young adults. Eat Behav. 2022 04; 45:101635. View Abstract
Racial differences in psychological stress and insulin sensitivity in non-Hispanic Black and White adolescents with overweight/obesity. Physiol Behav. 2022 03 01; 245:113672. View Abstract
Impacts of dietary self-monitoring via MyFitnessPal to undergraduate women: A qualitative study. Body Image. 2021 Dec; 39:221-226. View Abstract
Diagnosis of Eating Disorders Among College Students: A Comparison of Military and Civilian Students. Mil Med. 2021 08 28; 186(9-10):975-983. View Abstract
Introducing Dietary Self-Monitoring to Undergraduate Women via a Calorie Counting App Has No Effect on Mental Health or Health Behaviors: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2021 12; 121(12):2377-2388. View Abstract
The set point: weight destiny established before adulthood? Curr Opin Pediatr. 2021 08 01; 33(4):368-372. View Abstract
Food insecurity and its associations with bulimic-spectrum eating disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2022 Jul; 57(7):1483-1490. View Abstract
Relationships between patterns of technology-based weight-related self-monitoring and eating disorder behaviors among first year university students. Eat Behav. 2021 08; 42:101520. View Abstract
Acute Daily Stress, Daily Food Consumption, and the Moderating Effect of Disordered Eating among Adolescents with Overweight/Obesity. Child Obes. 2021 09; 17(6):391-399. View Abstract
Targeted self-regulation interventions in low-income children: Clinical trial results and implications for health behavior change. J Exp Child Psychol. 2021 08; 208:105157. View Abstract
The scale matters: assessing body size with figure rating scales in a diverse sample of young adults. Eat Weight Disord. 2022 Feb; 27(1):263-271. View Abstract
Students with Food Insecurity Are More Likely to Screen Positive for an Eating Disorder at a Large, Public University in the Midwest. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2021 06; 121(6):1115-1124. View Abstract
Weight-Focused Public Health Interventions-No Benefit, Some Harm. JAMA Pediatr. 2021 03 01; 175(3):238-239. View Abstract
Psychological Stress and Lowered Physical Activity Enjoyment in Adolescents With Overweight/Obesity. Am J Health Promot. 2021 07; 35(6):766-774. View Abstract
Relationships between patterns of weight-related self-monitoring and eating disorder symptomology among undergraduate and graduate students. Int J Eat Disord. 2021 04; 54(4):595-605. View Abstract
Parental perceptions of actual and ideal body weight in early childhood prospectively predict adolescent perceptions of actual and ideal body weight among a low-income population. Eat Weight Disord. 2021 Oct; 26(7):2371-2379. View Abstract
Grocery Delivery of Healthy Foods to Pregnant Young Women With Low Incomes: Feasibility and Acceptability Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res. 2020 Dec 24; 4(12):e21602. View Abstract
Weight bias among public health trainees. Public Health Nutr. 2021 04; 24(6):1566-1569. View Abstract
Cultural and environmental associations with body image, diet and well-being in NCAA DI female distance runners: a qualitative analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2021 Apr; 55(8):433-437. View Abstract
Self-perceived risk for diabetes among non-diabetic adolescents with overweight/obesity: Findings from NHANES. Prim Care Diabetes. 2021 02; 15(1):156-161. View Abstract
Youth Perceptions of Juul in the United States. JAMA Pediatr. 2020 08 01; 174(8):800-802. View Abstract
Reducing paediatric overweight and obesity through motivational interviewing: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in the AAP PROS research network. BMJ Open. 2020 07 28; 10(7):e035720. View Abstract
Development and Validation of the Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes (EDSA): A Brief Screening Tool for Male and Female Athletes. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2020 Sep; 50. View Abstract
Psychosocial, behavioral and clinical correlates of children with overweight and obesity. BMC Pediatr. 2020 06 10; 20(1):291. View Abstract
"It's Healthy Because It's Natural." Perceptions of "Clean" Eating among U.S. Adolescents and Emerging Adults. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 07; 12(6). View Abstract
Disparities in eating disorder risk and diagnosis among sexual minority college students: Findings from the national Healthy Minds Study. Int J Eat Disord. 2020 09; 53(9):1563-1568. View Abstract
Dietary self-monitoring is associated with increased likelihood of problematic alcohol use among college students. J Am Coll Health. 2022 01; 70(1):274-279. View Abstract
The association of disordered eating with health-related quality of life in U.S. young adults and effect modification by gender. Qual Life Res. 2020 May; 29(5):1203-1215. View Abstract
Adolescent stress: A predictor of dieting behaviors in youth with overweight/obesity. Appetite. 2020 04 01; 147:104560. View Abstract
Diet Pill and Laxative Use for Weight Control and Subsequent Incident Eating Disorder in US Young Women: 2001-2016. Am J Public Health. 2020 01; 110(1):109-111. View Abstract
Mother-Child and Father-Child Connectedness in Adolescence and Disordered Eating Symptoms in Young Adulthood. J Adolesc Health. 2020 03; 66(3):366-371. View Abstract
Understanding suicide risk and eating disorders in college student populations: Results from a National Study. Int J Eat Disord. 2020 02; 53(2):229-238. View Abstract
Associations between childhood maltreatment latent classes and eating disorder symptoms in a nationally representative sample of young adults in the United States. Child Abuse Negl. 2019 12; 98:104171. View Abstract
Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and obesity in SNAP-eligible children and adolescents. Prim Care Diabetes. 2020 04; 14(2):181-185. View Abstract
Youth Preferences for Weight-Related Conversations. Health Commun. 2020 10; 35(11):1328-1333. View Abstract
Maternal Eating Disorders and Eating Disorder Treatment Among Girls in the Growing Up Today Study. J Adolesc Health. 2019 10; 65(4):469-475. View Abstract
Food Insecurity Associated with Screening Positive for a Possible Eating Disorder Among Students Attending a Large, Public University in the Midwest (P04-035-19). Curr Dev Nutr. 2019 Jun; 3(Suppl 1). View Abstract
Evaluating gender bias in an eating disorder risk assessment questionnaire for athletes. Eat Disord. 2021 Jan-Feb; 29(1):29-41. View Abstract
Binge eating-related concerns and depressive symptoms in young adulthood: Seven-year longitudinal associations and differences by race/ethnicity. Eat Behav. 2019 01; 32:90-94. View Abstract
Subjective experiences of highly processed food consumption in individuals with food addiction. Psychol Addict Behav. 2019 Mar; 33(2):144-153. View Abstract
Shared Concerns and Opportunity for Joint Action in Creating a Food Environment That Supports Health. Nutrients. 2018 Dec 25; 11(1). View Abstract
The Course of Eating Disorders Involving Bingeing and Purging Among Adolescent Girls: Prevalence, Stability, and Transitions. J Adolesc Health. 2019 02; 64(2):165-171. View Abstract
The Heterogeneity of MI Interventions Studies for Treatment of Obesity. Pediatrics. 2018 11; 142(5). View Abstract
Family physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the weight effects of added sugar. SAGE Open Med. 2018; 6:2050312118801245. View Abstract
Youth Opinions About Guns and Gun Control in the United States. JAMA Pediatr. 2018 09 01; 172(9):884-886. View Abstract
Research for leveraging food policy in universal eating disorder prevention. Int J Eat Disord. 2018 06; 51(6):503-506. View Abstract
Cross-sectional associations between weight-related health behaviors and weight misperception among U.S. adolescents with overweight/obesity. BMC Public Health. 2018 04 18; 18(1):514. View Abstract
Relating shape/weight based self-esteem, depression, and anxiety with weight and perceived physical health among young adults. Body Image. 2018 Jun; 25:168-176. View Abstract
Parenting in an Obesogenic Environment: Ghosts at the Dinner Table. Pediatrics. 2018 04; 141(4). View Abstract
Disparities in eating disorder diagnosis and treatment according to weight status, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and sex among college students. Int J Eat Disord. 2018 06; 51(6):518-526. View Abstract
Cross-sectional associations between gender-linked personality traits and use of weight-loss and muscle-building products among U.S. young adults. Eat Disord. 2018 Sep-Oct; 26(5):418-429. View Abstract
MyVoice National Text Message Survey of Youth Aged 14 to 24 Years: Study Protocol. JMIR Res Protoc. 2017 Dec 11; 6(12):e247. View Abstract
Longitudinal impact of weight misperception and intent to change weight on body mass index of adolescents and young adults with overweight or obesity. Eat Behav. 2017 12; 27:7-13. View Abstract
Weight misperception and disordered weight control behaviors among U.S. high school students with overweight and obesity: Associations and trends, 1999-2013. Eat Behav. 2017 08; 26:189-195. View Abstract
Protective Misperception? Prospective Study of Weight Self-Perception and Blood Pressure in Adolescents With Overweight and Obesity. J Adolesc Health. 2017 Jun; 60(6):680-687. View Abstract
Cross-sectional and Prospective Examination of Weight Misperception and Depressive Symptoms Among Youth with Overweight and Obesity. Prev Sci. 2017 02; 18(2):152-163. View Abstract
Eating disorder symptoms among undergraduate and graduate students at 12 U.S. colleges and universities. Eat Behav. 2017 01; 24:81-88. View Abstract
Gender Conformity and Use of Laxatives and Muscle-Building Products in Adolescents and Young Adults. Pediatrics. 2016 08; 138(2). View Abstract
Inadequate Hydration, BMI, and Obesity Among US Adults: NHANES 2009-2012. Ann Fam Med. 2016 07; 14(4):320-4. View Abstract
Eating disorder behaviours amongst adolescents: investigating classification, persistence and prospective associations with adverse outcomes using latent class models. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017 Feb; 26(2):231-240. View Abstract
Male Eating Disorder Symptom Patterns and Health Correlates From 13 to 26 Years of Age. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016 08; 55(8):693-700.e2. View Abstract
Weight misperception among young adults with overweight/obesity associated with disordered eating behaviors. Int J Eat Disord. 2016 Oct; 49(10):937-946. View Abstract
Is obesity becoming the new normal? Age, gender and racial/ethnic differences in parental misperception of obesity as being 'About the Right Weight'. Int J Obes (Lond). 2016 07; 40(7):1051-5. View Abstract
Are K-12 school environments harming students with obesity? A qualitative study of classroom teachers. Eat Weight Disord. 2017 Mar; 22(1):141-152. View Abstract
Gender expression associated with BMI in a prospective cohort study of US adolescents. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2016 Feb; 24(2):506-15. View Abstract
Reducing Weight Stigma in the Health Care Setting: Important Considerations for Medical Education. JAMA Pediatr. 2015 Dec; 169(12):1178. View Abstract
Body Satisfaction Among Girls With Obesity: A Strong Case for #Loveyourbody. J Adolesc Health. 2015 Nov; 57(5):451-2. View Abstract
Three Interventions That Reduce Childhood Obesity Are Projected To Save More Than They Cost To Implement. Health Aff (Millwood). 2015 Nov; 34(11):1932-9. View Abstract
Helpful or harmful? Prospective association between weight misperception and weight gain among overweight and obese adolescents and young adults. Int J Obes (Lond). 2016 Feb; 40(2):328-32. View Abstract
Cost Effectiveness of Childhood Obesity Interventions: Evidence and Methods for CHOICES. Am J Prev Med. 2015 Jul; 49(1):102-11. View Abstract
BMI and Healthcare Cost Impact of Eliminating Tax Subsidy for Advertising Unhealthy Food to Youth. Am J Prev Med. 2015 Jul; 49(1):124-34. View Abstract
Adolescent Eating Disorders Predict Psychiatric, High-Risk Behaviors and Weight Outcomes in Young Adulthood. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2015 Aug; 54(8):652-659.e1. View Abstract
Are first-generation adolescents less likely to be overweight? Results from a survey of Boston youth. J Immigr Minor Health. 2015 Apr; 17(2):605-9. View Abstract
Obesogenic behaviors among adolescents: the role of generation and time in the United States. Ethn Dis. 2015; 25(1):58-64. View Abstract
Childhood hyperactivity/inattention and eating disturbances predict binge eating in adolescence. Psychol Med. 2015; 45(12):2511-20. View Abstract
The economic burden of eating disorders and related mental health comorbidities: An exploratory analysis using the U.S. Medical Expenditures Panel Survey. Prev Med Rep. 2015; 2:32-4. View Abstract
Prospective association between overvaluation of weight and binge eating among overweight adolescent girls. J Adolesc Health. 2015 Jan; 56(1):25-9. View Abstract
Juice and water intake in infancy and later beverage intake and adiposity: could juice be a gateway drink? Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Jan; 23(1):170-6. View Abstract
Longitudinal relations of television, electronic games, and digital versatile discs with changes in diet in adolescents. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Oct; 100(4):1173-81. View Abstract
Racial/ethnic differences in accuracy of body mass index reporting in a diverse cohort of young adults. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015 Mar; 39(3):546-8. View Abstract
The cost-effectiveness of school-based eating disorder screening. Am J Public Health. 2014 Sep; 104(9):1774-82. View Abstract
Association of sports drinks with weight gain among adolescents and young adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2014 Oct; 22(10):2238-43. View Abstract
Prevalence of purging at age 16 and associations with negative outcomes among girls in three community-based cohorts. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2015 Jan; 56(1):87-96. View Abstract
A latent class analysis to empirically describe eating disorders through developmental stages. Int J Eat Disord. 2014 Nov; 47(7):762-72. View Abstract
Assessing eating disorder symptoms in adolescence: is there a role for multiple informants? Int J Eat Disord. 2014 Jul; 47(5):475-82. View Abstract
Prospective associations of concerns about physique and the development of obesity, binge drinking, and drug use among adolescent boys and young adult men. JAMA Pediatr. 2014 Jan; 168(1):34-9. View Abstract
Spatial distribution of cosmetic-procedure businesses in two U.S. cities: a pilot mapping and validation study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013 Dec 06; 10(12):6832-62. View Abstract
Adiposity and different types of screen time. Pediatrics. 2013 Dec; 132(6):e1497-505. View Abstract
Closing the "know-do" gap: training public health professionals in eating disorders prevention via case-method teaching. Int J Eat Disord. 2013 Jul; 46(5):533-7. View Abstract
Associations of parental control of feeding with eating in the absence of hunger and food sneaking, hiding, and hoarding. Child Obes. 2013 Aug; 9(4):346-9. View Abstract
Longitudinal associations between binge eating and overeating and adverse outcomes among adolescents and young adults: does loss of control matter? JAMA Pediatr. 2013 Feb; 167(2):149-55. View Abstract
Eating attitudes and food intakes of elite adolescent female figure skaters: a cross sectional study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012 Dec 13; 9(1):53. View Abstract
Prospective association of common eating disorders and adverse outcomes. Pediatrics. 2012 Aug; 130(2):e289-95. View Abstract
Vitamin d, calcium, and dairy intakes and stress fractures among female adolescents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012 Jul 01; 166(7):595-600. View Abstract
Body satisfaction, weight gain and binge eating among overweight adolescent girls. Int J Obes (Lond). 2012 Jul; 36(7):944-9. View Abstract
The development of associations among body mass index, body dissatisfaction, and weight and shape concern in adolescent boys and girls. J Adolesc Health. 2012 Nov; 51(5):517-23. View Abstract
Associations of obesogenic behaviors in mothers and obese children participating in a randomized trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012 Jul; 20(7):1449-54. View Abstract
Can the Internet be used to reach parents for family-based childhood obesity interventions? Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2012 Apr; 51(4):314-20. View Abstract
Longitudinal association of maternal attempt to lose weight during the postpartum period and child obesity at age 3 years. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Oct; 19(10):2046-52. View Abstract
Economic and other barriers to adopting recommendations to prevent childhood obesity: results of a focus group study with parents. BMC Pediatr. 2009 Dec 21; 9:81. View Abstract
BMI report cards: will they pass or fail in the fight against pediatric obesity? Curr Opin Pediatr. 2009 Aug; 21(4):431-6. View Abstract
Overweight prevention in pediatric primary care: a needs assessment of an urban racial/ethnic minority population. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2009 Oct; 48(8):837-43. View Abstract
Televisions in the bedrooms of racial/ethnic minority children: how did they get there and how do we get them out? Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2009 Sep; 48(7):715-9. View Abstract
Impact of change in sweetened caloric beverage consumption on energy intake among children and adolescents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2009 Apr; 163(4):336-43. View Abstract
Total energy intake, adolescent discretionary behaviors and the energy gap. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008 Dec; 32 Suppl 6:S19-27. View Abstract