Binge Eating Disorder Research Articles

ESTRATÉGIAS DE TRATAMENTO PARA TRANSTORNO DE COMPULSÃO ALIMENTAR PERIÓDICA E OBESIDADE: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Binge eating disorder is the most common form of eating disorder in adults and correlates with obesity and is accompanied by significant rates of psychiatric conditions as well as widespread impairments in functionality. Objective: To analyze treatment strategies for binge eating disorder and obesity. Methodology: The PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases were used with the descriptors “binge-eating disorder”, “obesity” and “treatment”, using the Boolean operator “AND”. The inclusion criteria were articles published between 2020 and 2023 of the controlled clinical trial type. The exclusion criteria were articles outside the topic covered and duplicate studies. After using the criteria, a total of 27 articles remained. Results: The treatment of binge eating disorder and obesity achieved better results with the pharmacological duo of naltrexone and bupropion and psychological behavioral weight loss therapy. Other strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, cue regulation program, fluoxetine and topiramate were also able to bring benefits. Conclusion: It remains important to develop new studies and research that perpetuate the continuous search for better results for the treatments of these comorbidities.

Programme‐Led and Focused Interventions for Recent Onset Binge/Purge Eating Disorders: Use and Outcomes in the First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) Network

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe aimed to compare use of, and outcomes from, programme‐led and focused interventions (guided self‐help and 10 session cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders [CBT‐T]) relative to other psychological therapies (including group and individual CBT for eating disorders [CBT‐ED]) in a national sample of emerging adults receiving early intervention for a non‐underweight binge/purge eating disorder.MethodData were drawn from 54 English eating disorder services using the First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) model. Participants (N = 1097) had a mean age of 18.95 years (SD 2.42) and diagnoses of bulimia nervosa (n = 506; 45%), binge eating disorder (n = 121; 11%), another specified feeding or eating disorder (n = 460; 42%), or an eating disorder, unspecified (n = 10, 1%). Linear mixed models were used to assess for effects of time and treatment on binge eating and purging, eating disorder psychopathology, depression/anxiety, and body mass index.Results11% (n = 117) of patients received guided self‐help and 24% (n = 268) received CBT‐T. Baseline eating disorder psychopathology and depressive/anxiety symptoms did not differ significantly across the guided self‐help, CBT‐T, group CBT‐ED, and individual CBT‐ED conditions. All treatments were associated with significant reductions in symptoms over time. GSH and CBT‐T performed comparably to longer CBT‐ED.DiscussionWe provide additional evidence for the effectiveness of GSH and CBT‐T in the treatment of non‐underweight binge/purge eating disorders. Programme‐led and focused interventions may be under‐utilized and future research should explore when they are offered, and when not, both within and outside of early intervention settings.

Unpacking the Controversies of Weight Loss and Dietary Restraint With Binge-Eating Disorder: Commentary on Grilo and Pittman.

The study by Grilo and Pittman highlights two related controversies affecting the eating disorders field: (1) Is it ever appropriate to recommend behavioral weight loss (BWL) interventions to patients with binge-eating disorder (BED); and (2) Is dietary restraint beneficial or harmful? This paper explores reasons underlying these controversies and underscores the important nuances within these constructs within the context of Grilo and Pittman's findings. For example, people often subsume BWL as part of the umbrella term "dieting," but extensive research shows clear differences between self-directed "dieting" and BWL intervention on both weight loss efficacy and on eating disorder psychopathology. In addition, it is critical to consider and understand the different types of dietary restraint. Increases in rigid restraint are often considered a negative outcome in the eating disorder field; however, Grilo and Pittman identify increases as beneficial for individuals with BED and obesity participating in a BWL intervention. There is a critical need in the eating disorders field to work together to better understand the nuance underlying these frequently used constructs.

Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Depressive Symptom Presentation and Change Throughout Routine Eating Disorder Treatment.

The present study examined whether patients with binge/purge and restricting anorexia nervosa (AN-BP and AN-R), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED) differ in generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression symptom patterns and overall comorbid symptom severity at admission. We also assessed between-group differences in the patterns of change and overall comorbid symptom severity change from admission to discharge from routine eating disorder (ED) treatment at higher levels of care (HLOC). The initial sample included 3730 adults routinely assessed for GAD, depression, and OCD at admission and discharge from treatment. ED diagnostic groups exhibited somewhat different symptom patterns (e.g., AN-R and ARFID were more prone to GAD and OCD than depression symptoms; BED exhibited the opposite pattern) and overall symptom severity at admission (i.e., AN-BP and OSFED had the highest overall comorbid symptom severity; BED had the lowest). Although the overall symptom improvement was significantly greater in ARFID and BED than in AN-BP, AN-R, and OSFED, ED patients collectively and within each diagnostic group improved significantly in GAD, OCD, and depression symptoms following routine ED treatment at HLOC.

Evaluation of Family Functioning and Eating Attitudes in Adolescents Diagnosed with Obesity with and without Binge Eating Disorder and Their Comparison with Healthy Adolescents

Evaluation of Family Functioning and Eating Attitudes in Adolescents Diagnosed with Obesity with and without Binge Eating Disorder and Their Comparison with Healthy Adolescents

Temperamental and Character Traits as Risk Factors for Binge Eating Disorder in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. It is associated with an increased risk of somatic and mental health problems. The prevalence of binge eating disorder (BED) in women with PCOS is higher than in the healthy population. The co-occurrence of PCOS and BED increases the risk of negative health outcomes and may worsen patient compliance. For both groups of disorders, specific personality traits have been described in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess temperament and character in PCOS women with and without BED, in search of specific personality traits that may distinguish PCOS patients with a higher predisposition to BED. Methods: 128 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the modified Rotterdam criteria were included in the study. All completed the Temperament and Character Inventory by R.C. Cloninger (TCI). The collected data were statistically analyzed. Results: The PCOS–BED subgroup was characterized by specific personality traits in comparison with PCOS subgroup: statistically significantly higher scores of harm-avoidance dimensions (in anticipatory worry, shyness, and fatigability subscales) and statistically significantly lower scores of persistence and self-directedness dimensions (in purposeful, resourcefulness, self-acceptance, and enlightened second nature subscales). Conclusions: PCOS–BED women have certain personality traits. Screening PCOS patients for the presence of certain personality traits could identify those at risk. PCOS–BED women may be at higher risk of health problems and treatment failure and may require a different therapeutic approach to treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

The Dutch Body Shape Questionnaire among patients with binge-eating disorder: psychometrics and norms of the full version (BSQ34) and the short version (BSQ8C)

PurposeThis study examined the psychometric properties and provided normative data of the Dutch Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ34) and its shortened BSQ8C among patients with binge-eating disorder.MethodsThe two versions of the BSQ were administered to patients with binge-eating disorder (N = 155) enrolled for treatment, and to a community sample (N = 333). The translation and back-translation of the BSQ were performed by translators with and without eating-disorder expertise. Internal consistency, concurrent validity, test–retest reliability, incremental validity, and sensitivity to change were determined. A receiver-operating-characteristic curve-analysis was used to establish criterion-related validity, for which the Eating Disorder Examination—Shape concern subscale, was used. Uni-dimensionality of the instrument was investigated with confirmatory factor analysis. Norms (population-based T-scores and clinical percentile-scores) were determined.ResultsThe psychometric properties of the BSQs were satisfactory. The BSQ34 discriminated well in body-shape dissatisfaction between patients with binge-eating disorder and the community sample (area-under-the-curve value = 0.91–0.98) and had a unidimensional factor structure. Comparing structural invariance between both samples revealed that scaler invariance was not supported, indicating that items may be interpreted differently by patients with binge-eating disorder and subjects from the community. Analyses were repeated for the BSQ8C, which yielded similar results.ConclusionThe results indicated that both versions of the BSQ appeared suitable to screen for body-shape dissatisfaction among patients with binge-eating disorder. The BSQ34 supplies valuable information on the various types of concerns respondents have, which are critical to consider in clinical settings; the BSQ8C is recommended as a short screening tool.Level of evidence: Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.

Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Obesity Associated with Eating Disorders

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are effective medications for managing obesity and related metabolic complications. However, their use presents specific challenges when obesity is coexisting with eating disorders. In such cases, the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1RAs could potentially exacerbate behaviors like dietary restriction and dietary restraint, two behavioral patterns that help sustain eating disorder psychopathology, thus complicating treatment for these disorders. Because of these concerns, it is essential for clinicians to screen for eating disorders before prescribing GLP-1RAs in individuals with overweight or obesity. Their use is currently contraindicated for patients with atypical anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or subthreshold bulimia nervosa, as GLP-1RAs could worsen the restrictive eating behaviors common in these conditions. Although some emerging research suggests that GLP-1RAs might reduce binge-eating episodes, there is not yet enough evidence to support their use specifically for treating binge-eating disorder (BED) and its associated psychopathology. According to new recommendations from cognitive behavior therapy for BED, GLP-1RAs may be cautiously considered in patients with clinical obesity who do not overvalue shape and weight, have no history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and who have already made progress in adopting regular eating patterns and reducing binge-eating episodes.

Time taken to reach treatment for eating disorders in New Zealand.

The significant cost burden of eating disorders (EDs) could be lessened with quicker access to treatment. Little is known about the time it takes to reach treatment. We aimed to examine the time to access treatment in New Zealand. 468 respondents of the Costs of Eating Disorders online survey provided data including demographics; diagnoses; treatment journey, length of time to seek help; time to diagnosis after seeking help; GP referral to a specialist after diagnosis; and waiting time to see an EDs specialist. Half the sample took more than a year to seek help. Those with bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge-eating disorder (BED) took significantly longer to seek help than those with anorexia nervosa and Other EDs. Once participants sought help, half the sample was diagnosed within 1week. GPs referred most participants to an EDs specialist. Of those placed on a waiting list to see an EDs specialist, just under half were seen within 6weeks, with no significant differences by diagnosis in waiting time. Improving the acceptability of seeking help, particularly in those with BN and BED, early recognition of symptoms, and improving treatment pathways are key to minimising longer term impacts.

Cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced through videoconferencing for night eating syndrome, binge-eating disorder and comorbid insomnia: a Case Report

BackgroundBoth night-eating syndrome and binge-eating disorder are characterized by episodes of excessive food consumption, significant distress, and functional impairment related to maladaptive eating behaviors. Both types of eating disorders are associated with poorer sleep quality. Cognitive behavioral therapy has demonstrated good outcomes for binge-eating disorder; however, it is unknown if it is effective for night-eating syndrome and comorbid insomnia.Case presentationThe current paper presents a case report of a Dutch woman in her 40’s receiving cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced for night-eating syndrome, as well as binge-eating disorder. However, to tailor the intervention to her specific needs, throughout the course of treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia interventions were also implemented. Her comorbid complaints were insomnia, childhood trauma, a depressive mood disorder, and cluster B and C personality traits. She had a history of bariatric surgery, as well as alcohol addiction, and received various treatments in the past, aiming to become abstinent from binge eating.ConclusionsPost-treatment, she was abstinent from binge eating and, her scores of various eating disorder measures were below clinical cut-points. However, it is unclear if she would show earlier symptom reduction if she received cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia, prior to cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced. In addition, the patient reported an increase in her depressive mood and commenced schema therapy after cognitive behavioral therapy- enhanced. Although common, the underlying cause of symptom shifts in patients with an eating disorder remains largely unknown.

Guided self help for binge eating in diabetes Binge eating and type 2 diabetes: POSE-D pilot.

People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience binge eating than the general population, which may interfere with their diabetes management. Guided Self-Help (GSH) is one of the recommended treatment options for binge eating disorder, but there is currently a lack of evidenced treatment for binge eating in individuals living with type 2 diabetes. The aims of this pilot study were to test the feasibility and acceptability of recruiting and delivering the adapted, online Working to Overcome Eating Difficulties GSH intervention to adults with T2 diabetes and binge eating. The intervention comprises GSH materials presented online in 7 sections delivered over 12-weeks, supported by a trained Guide. 22 participants were recruited in a case series design to receive the intervention and we interviewed 4 Guides and 5 participants afterwards. We measured binge eating, mental wellbeing, quality of life and weight at pre-post and 12-week follow-up. Results showed a significant reduction in binge eating at the end of the intervention, which continued to improve at follow-up. Before the programme 92% of participants scored above cut-off for binge eating. This reduced to 41% post-intervention and no-one at follow-up. These changes were accompanied by significant improvements in depression, anxiety and small changes in eating disorder symptoms. Participants reported making better lifestyle choices, eating more mindfully, and having increased self-confidence. The study shows preliminary evidence for online GSH tailored to the needs of individuals with T2D as a feasible and acceptable approach to improving binge eating, diabetes management and mental wellbeing.

A qualitative study of the mental health outcomes in people being treated for obesity and type 2 diabetes with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are associated with increased rates of mental disorders, particularly depression, anxiety and binge-eating disorder. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a novel class of pharmacological agents for obesity and T2D. We aimed to describe participants' experiences of GLP-1 receptor agonists on their mental health. Qualitative, individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted in nine participants who were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and/or T2D. Mental health status was measured at time of GLP-1 receptor agonist initiation and assessed again at 12-16 weeks when the semi-structured interview took place. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three main themes were generated from the analysis: (1) acceptance of negative side effects for long term physical health benefits; (2) reflections on the diverse impact on mental health; (3) reduced appetite and increased control of eating behaviours. Overall, participants with obesity and/or T2D described a positive impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on their mental health, especially perception of improved control of eating behaviours. This suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists should be further studied for their potential effectiveness for treatment of binge-eating disorder.

Eating and feeding disorders in adults with intellectual developmental disorder with and without autism spectrum disorder.

The present observational cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the prevalence of feeding and eating disorders (FEEDs) in adults with intellectual disability (ID)/intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) with or without autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and specific problem behaviours (PBs). Two hundred six adults with ID/IDD consecutively attending residential and rehabilitative facilities, 59.2% of which had co-occurring ASD, were assessed for presence of FEEDs by a structured interview specifically developed for the study and Diagnostic Manual - Intellectual Disability criteria. The 4.3% of the sample fully met the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, 6.7% for bulimia nervosa (BN) and 22.8% for binge eating disorder (BED). Furthermore, at least one observable symptom of these disorders was found in higher percentages of the sample. A higher prevalence of FEEDs was found in ID/IDD plus ASD than in ID/IDD alone. PBs were also significantly higher in participants with co-occurring ASD and had a positive correlation with the number of FEED symptoms, especially for BN and BED. The study enriches previous literature and considers novel aspects such as the behavioural/observable presentation of symptoms as well as the association with ASD and PBs. These issues deserve a specific consideration within standard psychiatric assessment and future research, especially in persons with major communication and/or cognitive difficulties.

Exploring the links between sensory sensitivity, autistic traits and autism-related eating behaviours in a sample of adult women with eating disorders

This study examined the presence of autistic traits in a sample of adult women diagnosed with different Eating Disorders (ED), and explored the concurrent role of autistic traits and sensory sensitivity in influencing both their eating disorder symptomatology and their autism-related eating behaviours. Seventy-five women with different ED (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) completed the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), the Sensory Perception Quotient - Short Form 35 item (SPQ-SF35) and the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA). Twelve percent of participants scored above the cut-off on both the AQ and the RAADS-R, while 68% scored above the cut-off on the RAADS-R only. A mediation analysis revealed that the association between sensory sensitivity (SPQ-SFR35) and scores on both the EAT-26 and the SWEAA was significantly mediated by the presence of autistic traits (RAADS-R). These findings, first, confirm the presence of autistic traits in individuals with ED; second, they show that a lower sensory threshold (i.e., a higher sensory sensitivity) is associated with a higher presence of autistic traits which were, in turn, positively associated with dysfunctional eating behaviours typical of ED and ASD. This study ultimately highlights the importance of further research on autistic traits across all diagnostic categories of ED.

Absolute and relative outcomes of cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders in adults: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) is the best examined treatment for eating disorders. However, previous meta-analyses of cognitive–behavioral therapy have not examined absolute outcomes, which are important from a clinical perspective. We updated a meta-analysis and conducted new searches in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL. We included randomized trials comparing CBT with control conditions in adults with a diagnosed eating disorder. We used random effects models in all analyses. We included 36 trials with 44 comparisons between CBT and controls (2,809 participants), 22 trials on binge eating disorder (BED), 11 on bulimia nervosa (BN), and three on anorexia nervosa and mixed disorders. The overall effect of CBT compared to controls was g = 0.88 (95% CI: 0.71; 1.04), with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 74; 95% CI: 65; 81; PI: −0.06; 1.81) and no significant difference between BED and BN. Effects were smaller studies with low risk of bias. The absolute abstinence rate was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.31; 0.43) for CBT and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.08; 0.12) in controls. ly effective in the treatment of bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, but there is also a large group of patients who do not respond sufficiently.

Bioequivalence of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate hard capsules formulations

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX), an inactive prodrug of dexamphetamine, is used as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and for moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED). The objective of this study is to evaluate the bioequivalence of two LDX formulations, including the reference product manufactured by Patheon Pharmaceuticals (Venvanse® 70 mg) versus a formulation manufactured by Eurofarma Laboratórios S/A. A randomized, crossover, open-label study was conducted with two treatments, two periods, two sequences, and 48 healthy participants of both sexes who received oral administration of the medications. A total of 24 blood samples were collected from each participant, from T0 (before taking the medication) to 10 hours later. The plasma concentration of LDX was quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Both formulations were well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported. Cmax and AUC0-t were compared: the ratio between the test and reference formulations for Cmax was 106.22% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 97.72% - 116.66% and a power of 98.75%. The ratio between the test and reference formulations for AUC0-t was 106.28%, CI (100.68% - 112.19%), with a power of 100.00%. The ratio between the test and reference formulations for AUC0-inf was 106.29%, CI (100.71% - 112.17%), with a power of 100.00%. The formulations were shown to be statistically bioequivalent in terms of their rate and extent of absorption, based on criteria established by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA).

Binge eating, social media disorder and attachment in adolescence: Gender differences in the mediating role of alexithymia

IntroductionThere is a need for research investigating factors accounting for binge eating (BE) and social media disorder (SMD) in adolescence. ObjectiveDespite studies suggesting the role of both attachment and alexithymia in these disorders, there has been no investigation into the mediating role of alexithymia in the pathways linking the different types of attachment relationships to both BE and SMD. MethodsA total of 423 Italian adolescents (32.2% males, Mage=16.88) completed self-report questionnaires investigating attachment, alexithymia, binge eating, and social media disorder levels. Hypotheses were tested with Structural Equation Modelling including multigroup analyses. ResultsAlmost all the variables showed relationships with each other. BE was explained by attachment to the mother and peers in both genders, but the mediating effect of alexithymia was significant only among girls. SMD was explained only by attachment to peers among boys but by attachment to the parents among girls. Moreover, among girls, the role of attachment to the father in SMD was fully mediated by alexithymia levels. ConclusionsAttachment and alexithymia are two explaining variables associated with BE and SMD in adolescence. However, differentiating between attachment relationships appears crucial to reaching a nuanced understanding of the dynamics underlying both BE and SMD.

Physiological model-based machine learning for classifying patients with binge-eating disorder (BED) from the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) curve

Background and objective:Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most frequent eating disorder, often confused with obesity, with which it shares several characteristics. Early identification could enable targeted therapeutic interventions. In this study, we propose a hybrid pipeline that, starting from plasma glucose data acquired during the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), allows us to classify the two types of patients through computational modeling and artificial intelligence. Methods:The proposed hybrid pipeline integrates a classical mechanistic model of delayed differential equations (DDE) that describes glucose–insulin dynamics with machine learning (ML) methods. Ad hoc techniques, including structural identifiability analysis, have been employed for refining and evaluating the mathematical model. Additionally, a dedicated pipeline for identifying and optimizing model parameters has been applied to obtain reliable estimates. Robust feature extraction and classifier selection processes were developed to ensure the optimal choice of the best-performing classifier. Results:By leveraging parameters estimated from the mechanistic model alongside easily obtainable patient information (such as glucose levels at 30 and 120 min post-OGTT, glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference), our approach facilitates accurate classification of patients, enabling tailored therapeutic interventions. Conclusion:Initial findings, focusing on correctly categorizing patients with BED based on metabolic data, demonstrate promising outcomes. These results suggest significant potential for refinement, including exploration of alternative mechanistic models and machine learning algorithms, to enhance classification accuracy and therapeutic strategies.

Medical Psychiatric Challenges in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Eating Disorders

This paper examines the intricate relationship between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and eating disorders (EDs), focusing on their diagnostic criteria, comorbidity, shared characteristics, and the profound medical and psychiatric complications that arise from these conditions. OCD is characterized by intrusive obsessions and compulsions that significantly impact daily functioning, while EDs, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder, involve severe disturbances in eating behaviors and body image. These disorders often co-occur, with up to 41% of individuals with EDs also suffering from OCD. The shared symptoms, such as obsessions, compulsions, avoidance behaviors, and perfectionism, highlight the complex interplay between OCD and EDs, complicating diagnosis and treatment. The medical complications associated with this comorbidity are severe and varied, affecting multiple organ systems. Gastrointestinal issues, proctological problems, oral health deterioration, cardiological dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, kidney disorders, and hormonal dysregulation are common. Additionally, sleep disorders are prevalent, further exacerbating both psychiatric and physical health outcomes. Effective treatment requires a holistic approach that addresses the unique needs of each individual, with integrated care involving specialists across medical and mental health fields. This comprehensive approach is crucial to mitigating the devastating impact of OCD and EDs, improving overall well-being and quality of life for affected individuals.

Influence of Gut Microflora on Eating Disorders

Eating disorders (EDs) have attracted extensive attention worldwide as a disease that seriously affects eating behaviour and weight control. The impact and pathogenesis of the gut microbiota in EDs remain important research directions and have sparked interest in developing treatments for these conditions. This review examines the intricate interactions between the gut microbiota and the gut-brain (GB) axis, and Eds focuses on bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and anorexia nervosa (AN). According to the findings, the pathophysiology of AN and BED is correlated with lower levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota. In addition, as a key mediator, the GB axis affects the neural pathways and behaviours between the brain and the gut, thereby exacerbating EDs symptoms. This review highlights the potential of gut microbiota-targeted therapies as adjunctive treatments for EDs. However, this study also has certain limitations. For example, more investigation is required to explore the clear mechanism and causal relationship between the gut microbiome and other EDs. Future studies should clarify the function of gut bacteria in EDs and advance treatment strategies.