In humans binge priming caused by irregular dieting and/or extreme food restriction, interspersed with intermittent consumption of snacks and other highly palatable food, might lead in adolescence to persistent eating problems.

Professor Treasure says people exposed to binge priming may also be more prone to substance misuse.

Researchers Elizabeth Wack and Marion Roberts say models were put at serious risk because of the culture of thinness in the fashion industry which possibly explains the increase in eating disorders seen in women born in the last half of the 20th century and may also contribute to the increase in obesity.

The researchers have called for a greater focus on reducing obsessive dieting and poor eating habits among young people.

A size-zero indicates a 22in waist the same as the average eight-year-old.

The research is published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.