Anorexia Nervosa Research Articles

An Overview of Existing and Emerging Weight-Loss Drugs to Target Obesity-Related Complications: Insights from Clinical Trials.

Obesity requires treatment as it is associated with health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers, which increase mortality rates. Achieving sufficient weight loss to reduce obesity-related diseases requires a variety of interventions, including comprehensive lifestyle modification of diet and exercise, change in behavior, anti-obesity medications, and surgery. To date, anti-obesity agents with various mechanisms of action have been developed, and mostly reduce energy intake, resulting in weight loss of about 5% to 10% compared to baseline. Recently developed drugs and those currently under development have been shown to reduce body weight by more than 10% and are expected to reduce obesity-related complications. This article summarizes existing and emerging anti-obesity medications, with a particular focus on those evaluated in clinical trials.

Ngā Māuiui Kai: creating Indigenous Māori terms for eating disorders in Aotearoa New Zealand

BackgroundMāori (the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) report higher rates of eating disorders than non-Māori, but access treatment at lower rates. Diagnostic terms lacking in cultural relevance likely contribute to Māori exclusion in eating disorder spaces. Developing terms in te reo Māori (the Māori language) presents an opportunity to challenge eating disorder stereotypes and increase cultural safety in the eating disorder workforce.MethodologyGuided by a Māori worldview and the practice of wānanga (to meet, discuss, and think deeply about a topic), we present a Māori language glossary for eating disorders. The glossary is informed by expertise in te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori (the body of Māori knowledge), and eating disorders, and combines terms already in use with newly developed terms.ResultsWe propose an umbrella term for eating disorders (ngā māuiui kai), as well as terms for anorexia nervosa (māuiui whakatiki), bulimia nervosa (pukuruaki), binge eating disorder (māuiui kaihoro), and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (karo kai, with three subtypes of low interest [arokore kai], sensory-based avoidance [āmaimai rongo kai], and concern about the consequences of eating [wehi-ā-kai]). We also propose terms for related concepts of body image difficulties (māuiui whakawā ata), perfectionism (māuiui kōtihitihi) and emotion dysregulation (kare-a-roto kōtitititi).ConclusionThis glossary is available for use by anyone looking for terms that come from a mana-enhancing (empowering, respectful, and strengths-based) Māori worldview. The kupu (words, terms) in this glossary are offered as possibilities for use, rather than as definitive or correct, in the hopes they will promote discussion about stigma, indigeneity, and language in the eating disorders field.

The Nutrient–Skin Connection: Diagnosing Eating Disorders Through Dermatologic Signs

The interplay between nutrition and skin health provides a crucial lens for understanding, diagnosing, and managing eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge-eating disorder (BED). This review explores the dermatological manifestations resulting from the nutritional deficiencies commonly associated with EDs, including conditions like hair loss, xerosis, and brittle nails. These changes in the skin and its appendages often reflect deeper systemic dysfunctions, such as deficiencies in essential micronutrients (zinc, iron, and vitamins A and C), hormonal imbalances, and electrolyte disturbances. Recognizing these dermatological signs as diagnostic tools is vital for the early identification and intervention of EDs. By integrating dermatological observations with psychiatric and nutritional care, a holistic, multidisciplinary approach can be developed to address both the physical and psychological complexities of EDs. This review highlights the critical role of these skin-related markers in promoting timely diagnosis and effective treatment. To examine the relationship between specific nutrients and dermatological manifestations in EDs, a systematic review of three electronic databases—PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate—was conducted. The findings underline the importance of early recognition of these skin symptoms for effective management. Collaborative care involving dermatologists, psychiatrists, and nutritionists is essential for diagnosing and treating EDs. Such integrated efforts ensure a comprehensive approach to these multifaceted conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and enhancing overall care.

Factors associated with accelerated parenteral weaning in children with intestinal failure: A descriptive cohort study.

The goal of intestinal rehabilitation in children is to wean from parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with accelerated weaning and to evaluate long-term outcomes of children receiving long-term PN. This was a retrospective study of children managed by the Intestinal Rehabilitation Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Medical history data were retrieved. The outcomes of children receiving long-term chronic PN (>2 years) were compared with those of children receiving short-term chronic PN regimen (<2 years). The cohort consisted of 112 children (58% boys, median [IQR] age of 6.0 [3.7-9.5] years). The group treated with a long-term PN regimen had significantly shorter residual small bowel and large bowel compared with the group treated with a short-term PN regimen (20% vs 60% and 75% vs 100%, respectively; P < 0.05). The lapse of time between PN and enteral feed initiation was longer in the group undergoing long-term PN regimen than in the short-term group (71 vs 32.5 days; P = 0.012). More episodes of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and a higher percentage of feeding aversion was demonstrated in the long-term PN group (2 [1-3] vs 1 [0-2] episodes and 36% vs 0%, respectively). Small bowel, colon length, enteral feed initiation, and frequency of CLABSI are factors associated with duration of PN regimen. A long-term chronic PN regimen is associated with a higher risk of food aversion.

Data mining identifies meaningful severity specifiers for anorexia nervosa.

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines anorexia nervosa (AN) severity based on body mass index (BMI). However, BMI categories do not reliably differentiate the intensity of AN and comorbid symptoms. Shape/weight overvaluation has been proposed as an alternative severity specifier. The present study used structural equation model (SEM) Trees to empirically determine specific levels of BMI and/or shape/weight overvaluation that differentiate AN severity. We also compared whether the SEM Tree-derived severity groups outperformed existing AN severity definitions. Participants were 1,666 adolescents and adults with AN who were receiving eating disorder treatment at one of the three levels of care (outpatient, partial hospital program, or residential). Participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing eating pathology and comorbid symptoms. SEM Tree analyses first specified an outcome model of AN severity, and then recursively partitioned the outcome model into subgroups based on all values of BMI and shape/weight overvaluation. One-way analyses of variance and t tests determined which severity definition explained the most variance in clinical characteristics. SEM Tree analyses yielded five severity groups, all of which were defined based on increasing intensities of shape/weight overvaluation: < 2.25, 2.25-3.24, 3.25-4.24, 4.25-5.24, and ≥ 5.25. No groups were defined based on BMI. SEM Tree-derived groupings explained more variance in clinical characteristics than existing severity definitions. Taken together, shape/weight overvaluation appears to be a more accurate marker of AN severity than BMI. The empirically determined AN severity scheme accounted for the most variance in clinical characteristics. Future research should assess the predictive value of these empirically defined AN severity indicators. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Spaces of S(h)elf-Care: Therapeutic Narrative Readings in Anorexia

This paper delves into the realm of art therapy, offering tentative evidence of the effectiveness of reading in anorexia nervosa (AN) recovery based on an analysis rooted in three theoretical frameworks: cognitive literary criticism, space studies and the perspective of care. In the first part, AN is discussed as a spatial disorder and one which compromises practices of care. The second partof the paper explores narrative transportation theory, a cognitive literary studies paradigm that explores the various psychological effects of reading, and on mental imagery, a concept that focuses on the mental effects of descriptions and imagery in books. By drawing on research from these spheres, this theoretical framework serves as a valuable lens to frame the third part of the paper, which addresses the pivotal role played by reading in Laura Freeman’s journey toward overcoming anorexia, as depicted in her autobiographical work The Reading Cure: How Books Restored my Appetite (2018). In particular, thestudy offers a close reading of some of the narratives Freeman addresses in her work, meaning the fiction and non-fiction texts she found inspiring, which exclude poetry and drama, and which stimulated her appetite through vivid descriptions of food.

Early response in people with anorexia nervosa receiving cognitive–behavioural therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED): a latent change study

Objective Early improvement predicts good outcome in psychotherapy for eating disorders. Prior studies have examined change in body mass index (BMI) or Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire scores (EDE-Q) as indicators of early response, but not both simultaneously. Little research has examined early change among Anorexia Nervosa (AN) samples treated with eating disorder-focussed cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-ED). We studied the process of early change in a fine-grained way to better understand whether early response predicts later response and post-treatment outcomes in CBT-ED for AN, and how the changes in EDE-Q and BMI are related. Method Adults (N = 193) diagnosed with AN were treated with outpatient CBT-ED. We used bivariate Latent Change Score models to examine change in BMI and EDE-Q and relations between them. Results Early change in BMI was independent of early change in EDE-Q. Larger changes in EDE-Q over the first five weeks of therapy followed smaller ones over the next five weeks, meanwhile smaller changes followed larger ones. Early change was predictive of post-treatment scores. Conclusion Early change in BMI and EDE-Q during CBT-ED appear to be unrelated and follow different trajectories. Therefore, individuals declared as early responders may differ depending on which variable is used for the decision.

Beyond Drive for Thinness: Drive for Leanness in Anorexia Nervosa Prevention and Recovery

Anorexia nervosa is classified by the American Psychological Association as an eating-related mental disorder, which affects mostly young adult women and adolescent girls. Although refeeding programs are often used to recover bodyweight in patients with anorexia nervosa, treatment failures are high, and the determinants of the disorder remain unknown. The present paper uses a nutritional epidemiology perspective to examine determinants of anorexia nervosa from the patients’ point of view. A grounded-theory literature-review method was used to search and review research findings from the peer-reviewed literature related to the etiology of anorexia nervosa, including recent qualitative interviews with patients. Unlike a systematic review, a grounded theory method is more appropriate for developing a new theory to explain phenomena like the cause, recovery, and prevention of anorexia nervosa. Reviewed research suggests that anorexia nervosa may be a problematic body-change strategy rather than a mental disorder. Additionally, the present paper proposes that replacing the drive for thinness in anorexia nervosa with a drive for leanness may help patient recovery, especially when guided by easily accessible body-composition estimates. Fat-free mass restoration in the recovery of anorexia nervosa may also be facilitated by resistance training, which improves patients’ psychological status and body composition. Additionally, replacing a dysfunctional dieting strategy in anorexia nervosa with knowledge, skills, and experience in proper weight management has a potential preventive effect against the disorder. More research is needed to investigate the applied effects of the drive for leanness, body-composition assessments, resistance-training programs, and weight-management skills associated with the recovery and prevention of anorexia nervosa. Furthermore, successful application of the information in this paper may be adapted to peer role model programs to prevent anorexia nervosa.

The Impact of Weight Concern in Anorexia Nervosa: How Much From 'Weight' and How Much From 'Concern'?

In the CBT model of anorexia nervosa, emaciation is assumed to occur because individuals over-value their weight and shape. However, current BMI (for adolescents, BMI z-score) may be relevant to psychopathology beyond its relation with weight concern. We explored the relations between BMI/z-BMI and attempts to change one's eating and/or weight (restraint and eating concern) before and after controlling for weight concern among individuals with AN or atypical AN (AAN). Participants were 1666 female residential patients with AN or AAN. For those below age 21, we examined the relations between z-BMI and EDE-Q Restraint and Eating Concern when Weight Concern was and was not controlled. For adults, we conducted the same analyses using BMI. BMI and z-BMI were positively related to weight concern, restraint, and eating concern. When controlling for weight concern, the positive relationships between z-BMI and both restraint and eating concern became significant negative relationships. This pattern also emerged among adults, though the negative relationship between BMI and restraint did not reach significance. In AN-spectrum disorders, (1) BMI/z-BMI was related to weight/eating concerns despite substantial weight loss and (2) when weight concern was controlled, these relationships between BMI/z-BMI and restraint/eating concerns were largely reversed.

Eating Disorders, Co-Morbid Disorders and Early Risk Factors Amongst Post-9/11 Veteran Men and Women.

To assess, by interview, the rates of eating disorders in a nationally representative sample of recent veterans, describe their DSM-5 eating disorder diagnoses and the occurrence of comorbid psychiatric disorders. To conduct an exploratory case-control analysis of previously documented and additional specific military risk factors before eating disorder onset to inform studies of prospective risk. Using a two-stage design, probable cases and controls were identified by screening questionnaires from a sample of 1494 veterans who completed a survey study and interviewed to establish case status and confirm probable co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses. Previously documented risk factors and military risk factors occurring before disorder onset were investigated. Ninety-one cases and 51 controls were confirmed. Weighted prevalence for any eating disorder was 5.2%, with estimates for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other specified eating disorder being 0.01%, 0.6%, 1.4%, and 1.6%, respectively. Seventy-nine (86.8%) confirmed cases had a diagnosis of one or more co-morbid psychiatric disorders. Previously documented risk factors were associated with subsequent case status, while in this sample, military risk factors were not. Rates of eating disorder and co-occurring psychiatric disorders in recent veterans were comparable to those reported for non-veterans, with levels of posttraumatic stress disorder likely higher. As co-occurring psychiatric disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder, may complicate achieving good outcomes with existing evidence-based treatments, there is an urgent need to adapt them where necessary to improve outcomes. Military risk factors may maintain or exacerbate pre-existing problems and need to be investigated alongside other maintaining factors in longitudinal studies. Rates of eating disorder and co-occurring psychiatric disorders in recent veterans were comparable to those reported for non-veterans, highlighting a need to detect eating problems and address unmet treatment need. Co-occurring psychiatric disorders may complicate achieving good outcomes with existing treatments, emphasising a need to adapt them to improve outcomes. Investigating maintaining factors, including military factors in longitudinal studies will likely aid treatment development.

Leptin Levels in Acute and Recovered Eating Disorders: An Arm-Based Network Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to provide a BMI-adjusted meta-analytical calculation of blood leptin levels across different eating disorders (EDs) including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), recovered EDs, and healthy controls (HCs). The goal was to understand BMI-independent leptin alterations and their potential as biomarkers. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies reporting serum leptin in AN, BN, BED, or recovered EDs. A multilevel network meta-analysis using a linear mixed-effects meta-regression model, adjusting for BMI, sex, and assay type, was performed on 146 studies (5048 patients, 3525 controls). Significant differences in leptin levels were found across EDs. AN patients exhibited the lowest leptin levels, while BED patients had the highest. BN and recovered AN patients had leptin levels similar to AN, significantly lower than HCs. BMI, sex, and assay type were significant covariates. The model accounted for heterogeneity due to diagnostic criteria, assay types, and study-level differences. Leptin levels in EDs are significantly altered beyond BMI effects, suggesting disease-specific factors. These findings support leptin's potential as a biomarker for ED staging and prognosis. Further research is needed to explore leptin's role in ED pathogenesis and trajectory, to identify subpopulations and improve clinical interventions.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Traits Predict Interoceptive Deficits and Eating Disorder Symptomatology in Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa—A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Italian Preliminary Data

Autism Spectrum Disorder Traits Predict Interoceptive Deficits and Eating Disorder Symptomatology in Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa—A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Italian Preliminary Data

Exploring the self-perceived causes of eating disorders among Chinese social media users with self-reported eating disorders

BackgroundEven though robust evidence suggests the high prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) in China, EDs in China are characterized by low diagnosis rates, delayed treatment-seeking, and ineffective treatments. Given that listening to patients’ perspectives and lived experiences is crucial to improving our understanding of EDs in the Chinese context, an investigation of the perceived causes of EDs in Chinese individuals with EDs represents a key step in improving the prevention and treatment of EDs in China.AimsTo explore the perceived causes of EDs based on data from a sample of Chinese social media users with self-reported EDs, with a particular focus on the Zhihu platform.MethodsWe extracted and analyzed data through content analysis. Eight specific causes that could be classified into two groups were coded, including individual factors (e.g., “body image and eating”) and sociocultural factors (e.g., “media and cultural ideals”).ResultsA total of 2079 entries regarding self-reported EDs were retained for content analysis (14.7% were anorexia nervosa, 37.6% were bulimia nervosa, and 47.7% were binge-eating disorder). More than 90% of users with self-reported EDs claimed causes belonging to individual factors, while 35–51% of users claimed sociocultural factors. “Body image and eating” (68–87%) and “psychological and emotional problems” (65–67%) were the most commonly claimed specific causes, while “traumatic life events” (13–14%), “genetics and biology” (7–13%), and “sports and health” (9–12%) were the least claimed. Chi-square independent tests showed that users with different self-reported EDs disproportionately claimed certain causes.ConclusionsUsing large-scale social media data, findings provide a deeper understanding of the perceived causes of EDs in the Chinese context from individuals with self-reported EDs and highlight the variations in perceived causes across different self-reported ED types.

Kopi, Trend Minuman Kekinian Dengan Banyak Manfaat Komponen Bioaktif

Coffee is a widely enjoyed beverage in Indonesia and around the world, holding a significant role as a key commodity in Indonesia's plantation sector. This beverage is popular not only for its distinctive flavor but also for its various health benefits. This article reviews several main bioactive components in coffee, including caffeine, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid, as well as the potential health benefits of each. Caffeine is known as a stimulant that can enhance alertness, reduce drowsiness, and acts as a potential antioxidant. Chlorogenic acid functions as an anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity agent, helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Ferulic acid has strong antioxidant effects and is used as a diabetes therapy due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress, while caffeic acid is known for its anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities, supporting the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. This article also discusses the mechanisms of action for each bioactive component within the body, particularly on the nervous system, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant activity. Through this review, coffee is understood not only as a refreshing beverage but also as a potential agent in the therapy and prevention of various chronic diseases.

Clinical heterogeneity of feeding and eating disorders: using personality psychopathology to differentiate “simplex” and “complex” phenotypes

BackgroundTo investigate Feeding and Eating Disorders (FED) heterogeneity based on the co-occurrence of FED symptoms and personality psychopathology, on the hypothesis that empirical profiles would not confirm current FED categories but identify unique phenotypes carrying different levels of clinical complexity.MethodsLatent Profile Analysis profiled FED patients based on the assessment of both FED symptoms, through the Eating Disorders Inventory, third version (EDI-3), and personality characteristics, through the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2. Then, profiles were compared across socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.ResultsAmong 109 eligible patients, three FED profiles were identified: (i) FED simplex (low eating symptoms, absence of dysfunctional personality); (ii) FED simplex-severe (high eating symptoms only); and (iii) FED complex-severe (high eating symptoms and dysfunctional personality). Despite an uneven distribution (χ2(6) = 15.20, adjusted-p = 0.029), FED profiles did not unequivocally confirm clinical diagnoses (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa). A difference in Body Mass Index (BMI) was observed (K(2) = 15.06, adjusted-p = 0.001), but lower BMI did not identify the most severe group. Profiles differed in EDI-3 overall scores (e.g., Eating Disorder Risk Composite: K(2) = 43.08, adjusted-p < 0.001), Body Uneasiness Test Global Severity Index (GSI: K(2) = 29.33, adjusted-p < 0.001), Binge Eating Scale severity (K(2) = 25.49, adjusted-p < 0.001), number of psychiatric (K(2) = 8.79, adjusted-p = 0.021) and personality diagnoses (K(2) = 11.86, adjusted-p = 0.005), and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised GSI (F(2,103) = 37.68, adjusted-p < 0.001), with FED complex-severe patients being generally the most severely impaired in terms of FED symptoms, body concerns, depersonalization, and psychiatric comorbidities.ConclusionsFindings support the hypothesis of distinguishing FED simplex and complex phenotypes, based on the co-occurrence of dysfunctional personality, with implications for FED severity and clinical practice.

Therapists' perspectives on the Maudsley model anorexia nervosa treatment for adolescents and young adults (MANTRa): A qualitative interview study.

A rising incidence of eating disorders in the young population and limited effectiveness of available treatment approaches underscore the need for innovative therapies. This study explores therapists' perspectives regarding a promising new manualized psychotherapeutic treatment (MANTRa) for adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa (AN). Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 therapists (nine female) who provided 24-34 sessions of MANTRa per patient. Interview topics included positive and negative experiences with MANTRa in general, with the workbook and other components. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Furthermore, written notes taken by the therapists after each sessions were analysed. The thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: (1) Variety of therapeutic tools and content elements included in the workbook; (2) Getting the therapeutic process going; (3) Flexibility in use of the workbook; (4) Impact of the scientific and multidisciplinary framework on quality assurance; (5) Formal design of the workbook. Therapists' case formulation letters to the patients were regarded as powerful tools to strengthen therapeutic alliance and promote recovery. In-depth therapists' training, regular supervision and a multi-professional treatment setting were important factors to ensure high treatment quality. The findings suggest how the MANTRa content (e.g. inclusion of additional therapeutic tools), the therapists' training and the format (e.g. provision of a digital version) can be improved to reach maximum impact. Therapists' formulation letters may be an effective therapeutic tool not only for AN but also across the spectrum of psychiatric disorders in adolescents and young adults.

Does evidence support an emotion regulation model of anorexia nervosa? A systematic review of over a decade of research.

Does evidence support an emotion regulation model of anorexia nervosa? A systematic review of over a decade of research.

Autistic traits are associated with the presence of post-traumatic stress symptoms and suicidality among subjects with autism spectrum conditions and Anorexia nervosa.

Recently, growing attention has been paid to the presence of undetected Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and subthreshold autistic traits (ATs) among females, and on their gender specific manifestation. In particular, the recent literature focused on the overlap between autism spectrum and eating disorders, which share with ASD not only features such as of cognitive inflexibility but also a link with trauma- and stress-related disorders. In this framework, we aimed to assess the interaction between ATs, stress- or trauma-related symptoms, and the risk of suicidality in subjects with different mental conditions. 184 subjects were divided in three diagnostic groups: Broad autism phenotype (BAP), Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Healthy Controls (HCs) and assessed with the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) questionnaire, the Trauma and Loss Spectrum - Self Report (TALS - SR) questionnaire and the Mood Spectrum - Self Report (MOODS - SR) questionnaire. AN subjects reported notable ATs reinforcing the hypothesis that AN might represent an atypical ASD manifestation more common in women. Furthermore, both AN and BAP subjects showed a considerable presence of trauma/stress associated symptoms. The dimension of trauma/stress related symptoms also appeared to be associated with ATs, and to significantly mediate the relationship between ATs and suicidality risk. Lastly, AN were found to have a stronger correlation with the presence of post-traumatic stress symptoms. the results support the presence of a link between ATs and AN. Moreover, AN seems to be more strongly associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms than BAP. ATs and trauma/stress related symptoms may interact in shaping suicidality risk in these patients.

Confusion between avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, restricted intake self-harm, and anorexia nervosa: developing a primary care decision tree.

Confusion between avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, restricted intake self-harm, and anorexia nervosa: developing a primary care decision tree.

Eating- and Weight-Related Disorders in the Armed Forces

Background/Objectives: Like in the general population, the prevalences of eating- and weight-related health issues in the armed forces are increasing. Relevant medical conditions include the eating disorders (EDs) anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), as well as body dysmorphic disorder, muscle dysmorphia, and the relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) syndrome. Methods: We performed a narrative literature review on eating- and weight-related disorders in the armed forces. Results: Entry standards might exclude people with obesity, with EDs, or at high risk for EDs from entering the armed forces for military reasons and to protect the individual’s health. Relevant potential risk factors of eating- and weight-related disorders in the military are the emphasis on appearance and fitness in the military, high levels of stress, military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, deployment, relocation, long commutes, consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages, limitations on food selection and physical exercise, and intensive combat training and field exercises. Eating- and weight-related disorders negatively impact professional military appearance and lead to problems with cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular fitness; daytime sleepiness; and a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries, and other physical and mental health problems. Current and potential future therapeutic options include occupational health measures, psychosocial therapies, neuromodulation, and drug treatments. Conclusions: Even though randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed to test treatments for obesity in the armed forces, RCTs for the treatment of EDs, body dysmorphic disorder, muscle dysmorphia, and RED-S syndrome are lacking in the military context.