Binge Eating Disorder Research Articles

Incidence and prevalence of eating disorders among U.S. military service members, 2016-2021.

Despite unique experiences that may increase eating disorder risk, U.S. military service members are an understudied population. The current study examined incidence and prevalence of eating disorder diagnoses in U.S. military personnel. This retrospective cohort study utilized Military Health System Data Repository (MDR) data on eating disorder diagnoses (2016-2021). Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard U.S. military service members who received care via TRICARE Prime insurance were identified by ICD-10 eating disorder diagnostic codes. During the 6-year surveillance period, 5189 Service members received incident eating disorders diagnoses, with a crude overall incidence rate of 6.2 cases per 10,000 person-years. The most common diagnosis was other/unspecified specified eating disorders, followed by binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa. There was an 18.5% overall rise in total incident cases across the surveillance period, but this trend was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Point prevalence significantly increased across the 6-year timeframe for total eating disorders (p < 0.001). Period prevalence for 6-year surveillance period was 0.244% for total eating disorders, 0.149% for other/unspecified eating disorder, 0.043% for bulimia nervosa, 0.038% for binge-eating disorder, and 0.013% for anorexia nervosa. Overall crude incidence estimates for total eating disorders were higher than reported in prior research that included only active duty Service members and required an eating disorder diagnosis code in the first or second diagnostic position of the medical record. Comprehensive and confidential studies are needed to more thoroughly characterize the nature and scope of eating disorder symptomatology within U.S. military personnel. U.S. military service members are a vulnerable population with regard to eating disorder symptoms. Previously reported incidence and prevalence estimates using data from the Military Health System may have been underestimated due to overly stringent case definitions. Given personal and occupational barriers (e.g., career consequences), confidential studies of military personnel may provide more complete data on the scope of eating disorders to inform screening and clinical practice guidelines for military populations.

The Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Binge Eating Disorder (BED)-Review and Insight into the Mechanisms of Action.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder among those contributing to the development of obesity, and thus acts as a significant burden on the lives and health of patients. It is characterized by complex neurobiology, which includes changes in brain activity and neurotransmitter secretion. Existing treatments are moderately effective, and so the search for new therapies that are effective and safe is ongoing. This review examines the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the treatment of binge eating disorder. Searches were conducted on the PubMed/Medline, Research Gate, and Cochrane databases. Six studies were found that matched the review topic. All of them used the anodal stimulation of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in BED patients. tDCS proved effective in reducing food cravings, the desire to binge eat, the number of binging episodes, and food intake. It also improved the outcomes of inhibitory control and the treatment of eating disorder psychopathology. The potential mechanisms of action of tDCS in BED are explained, limitations in current research are outlined, and recommendations for future research are provided. Preliminary evidence suggests that the anodal application of tDCS to the right DLPFC reduces the symptoms of BED. However, caution should be exercised in the broader use of tDCS in this context due to the small number of studies performed and the small number of patients included. Future studies should incorporate neuroimaging and neurophysiological measurements to elucidate the potential mechanisms of action of tDCS in BED.

Effectiveness of a Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Self-Help Intervention for Binge Eating Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is one of the most frequent eating pathologies and imposes substantial emotional and physical distress, yet insufficient health care resources limit access to specialized treatment. Web-based self-help interventions emerge as a promising solution, offering more accessible care. To examine the effectiveness of a web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention for individuals with BED. This 2-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial conducted from January 15, 2021, to August 3, 2022, in Germany and other German-speaking countries enrolled patients aged 18 to 65 years who met the diagnostic criteria for BED (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fifth Edition]). Data analysis occurred between January 27 and September 4, 2023, following our statistical analysis plan. Participants were randomized to a web-based self-help intervention or a waiting-list control condition. The primary outcome was a change in objective binge eating episodes from baseline to after treatment. Secondary outcomes included global eating pathology, clinical impairment, work capacity, well-being, comorbid psychopathology, self-esteem, and emotion regulation. A total of 1602 patients were screened, of whom 154 (mean [SD] age, 35.93 [10.59] years; 148 female [96.10%]) fulfilled the criteria for BED and were randomized (77 each to the intervention and control groups). The web-based intervention led to significant improvements in binge eating episodes (Cohen d, -0.79 [95% CI, -1.17 to -0.42]; P < .001), global eating psychopathology (Cohen d, -0.71 [95% CI, -1.07 to -0.35]; P < .001), weekly binge eating (Cohen d, -0.49 [95% CI, -0.74 to -0.24]; P < .001), clinical impairment (Cohen d, -0.75 [95% CI, -1.13 to -0.37]; P < .001), well-being (Cohen d, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.75]; P = .047), depression (Cohen d, -0.49 [95% CI, -0.86 to -0.12]; P = .01), anxiety (Cohen d, -0.37 [95% CI, -0.67 to -0.07]; P = .02), self-esteem (Cohen d, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.59]; P = .003), and emotion regulation (difficulties: Cohen d, -0.36 [95% CI, -0.65 to -0.07]; P = .01 and repertoire: Cohen d, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.19 to 0.84]; P = .003). In this randomized clinical trial of a web-based self-help intervention for patients with BED, the findings confirmed its effectiveness in reducing binge eating episodes and improving various mental health outcomes, highlighting a scalable solution to bridge the treatment gap for this condition. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04876183.

Association of body mass index with progression from binge-eating behavior into binge-eating disorder among adolescents in the United States: A prospective analysis of pooled data

The association between body mass index (BMI) and binge-eating disorder (BED) is well-established. However, data on the extent to which BMI is associated with progression from binge-eating behavior into BED among adolescents are limited, which was the aim of this investigation. Participants were 9964 U.S. adolescents from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, aged 9–13 at the time of study enrollment. A computerized parent-reported assessment was used to establish adolescents’ binge-eating behaviors and BED. Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for sociodemographic covariates were used to examine prospective associations between BMI and likelihood of BED onset among a) adolescents with binge-eating behavior, and b) adolescents with no binge-eating behavior. Of 975 adolescents who met the study criteria for binge-eating behavior, 89 (9.1%) subsequently met the study criteria for BED. Of 8989 adolescents with no binge-eating behavior, 82 (0.9%) subsequently met the study criteria for BED. BMI percentile was significantly associated with the likelihood of BED onset in participants with (adjusted HR = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00, 1.06) and participants without (adjusted HR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.03, 1.07) binge-eating behavior. Results were also significant when examining BMI as a dichotomous predictor (above and below 85th percentile) among those with (adjusted HR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.00, 6.68) and those without (adjusted HR = 6.01, 95% CI 3.90, 11.10) binge-eating behavior. Overall, results indicate that elevated BMI is prospectively associated with a greater risk for BED onset among U.S. adolescents with or without binge-eating behavior. Adolescents with a higher BMI may benefit from screening for binge eating, and prevention/early intervention strategies to mitigate the risk for developing BED.

The potential use of daridorexant in eating disorders: beyond the treatment of insomnia?

A strong interplay exists between sleep and dietary habits, and sleep disturbances have been repeatedly documented in individuals with eating disorders (EDs). The orexin system - implicated in sleep regulation, energy homeostasis, and food reward - may represent a mechanist link between sleep alterations and disordered eating behaviors. Daridorexant is a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) recently approved for the treatment of insomnia, with demonstrated efficacy and tolerability. Owing to its action on orexin neurons, the compound represents an intriguing option for addressing both sleep-related and core symptoms of EDs. By inhibiting motor hyperactivity, daridorexant may reduce excessive physical exercise in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) restricting type. Additionally, the compound may exert anti-binge effects, suggesting broad applicability in binge ED, bulimia nervosa, and binge/purging AN. In this framework, daridorexant emerges as a promising therapeutic option, offering a multifaceted approach to improving circadian rhythms, energy balance, and overall quality of life in individuals with diverse ED subtypes.

321. Reward Learning Bias for Food Rewards in Binge-Eating Disorder

321. Reward Learning Bias for Food Rewards in Binge-Eating Disorder

Factors that influence eating disorder tendencies in adolescents: A literature review

Eating disorders are any form of behavioral or habitual eating disorder that results in altered food consumption and absorption, and significantly impairs physical health and psychosocial functioning. Eating disorders are any disorder characterized primarily by pathological disturbances of food-related attitudes and behaviors, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder (Sinurat, 2018). This study aims to determine the factors that influence eating disorder tendencies in adolescents. The research method utilized is literature review, which involves searching for research articles from Research Gate and Google Scholar using keywords such as eating disorder, influencing factors, anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and body image. From the research findings, it can be concluded that the occurrence of eating disorder tendencies in adolescents is caused by several dominant factors such as body image (3 articles), peer influences (3 articles), knowledge (2 articles), also family roles and BMI (2 articles).

Eating disorder symptoms and diagnoses in adults with celiac disease

Introduction: Treatment for Celiac Disease (CeD) includes strict adherence to a Gluten-Free Diet (GFD) which may result in preoccupation with food choice, unwanted weight gain, and body dissatisfaction. Objective: To determine frequency of Eating Disorder (ED) diagnoses and symptoms in adults with CeD. Method: The Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS-DSM-5) and the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (EPSI) were administered in a cross-sectional study of 50 adults with biopsy-confirmed CeD on a GFD for &gt;1 year attending their routine clinic visits. Results: Based on the EDDS, one participant met criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnosis of binge eating disorder and four met criteria for possible diagnosis of Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders; none had previously been diagnosed with an ED. EDDS symptom scores were lower (i.e., better) than established cut-points, yet females scored higher than males when asked if they felt fat (p&lt;0.001), feared weight gain (p&lt;0.001), and felt undue influence of weight/ shape (p=0.034). EPSI scores were lower (i.e., better) than normative values, yet females scored significantly higher than males on body dissatisfaction (p&lt;0.001), cognitive restraint (p=0.011), and purging (p=0.044) subscales. Conclusion: Although disordered eating behaviors and weight/ shape concerns were apparent, only one patient met full criteria for an ED diagnosis. The EDDS and EPSI may be useful in screening for comorbidity among adults with CeD; however, clinical assessment is needed to assign a DSM-5 ED diagnosis.

Changing cannabis legislation in Canada and a longitudinal look at “regular” cannabis use in patients with eating disorders

Regular cannabis use (CU), defined as “weekly or more often”, is associated with a number of negative mental health outcomes. In the last decade, Canada legalized first medical and then recreational CU. Despite higher prevalence in mental health populations, little research has documented changes in frequency of CU with progressive legalization of cannabis. This study examined rates of CU in a sample of 843 treatment-seeking patients with eating disorders (ED) in an outpatient setting between 2004 and 2020. Across ED diagnoses, segmented regression indicated a significant break-point in regular CU in 2014, commensurate with the relaxation of medical cannabis laws. Regular CU increased from 4.9 % to 23.7 % from 2014 to 2020; well above the stable 6 % found in the general population. No significant break-point was observed in either alcohol or illicit substance use over the same time period. Significant increases in regular CU were found in patients with anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder, while regular use remained stable in patients with bulimia nervosa. Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses did not increase odds of regular CU. Findings suggest certain patient groups with mental illness may be at risk of engaging in high frequency use in the context of legislation implying medical benefits of cannabis.

Investigation of the role of difficulty in emotion regulation in the relationship between attachment styles and binge eating disorder

Attachment and emotion regulation affect various aspects of an individual’s life throughout the lifespan and into adulthood, and are known to be associated with various psychopathologies. Based on a review of the literature, attachment styles and the management of negative emotions have a significant role in the development and maintenance of Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Previous studies have found that insecure attachment styles increase the risk of developing BED, but the role of emotion regulation difficulties has not been assessed. The aim of the current study is to examine the role of emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between insecure attachment styles and symptoms of BED. The sample of the current study consisted of 364 participants (238 females, 126 males) aged 18–65 years (M = 35.27, SD = 10.00) residing in different provinces of Turkey. Sociodemographic information form, Binge Eating Disorder Scale (BEDS), Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form (DERS-16), and Inventory of Experiences in Close Relationships-2 were administered to the participants. The results of the present study showed that difficulties in emotion regulation played a mediating role in the relationship between symptoms of BED and avoidant and anxious attachment styles. The results of the current study highlight the importance of clinicians assessing attachment styles and emotion regulation difficulties, examining the interaction of these variables together, and providing interventions accordingly when faced with symptoms of BED.

Factor Structure, Reliability, and Convergent Validity of an Ecological Momentary Assessment Binge-Eating Symptoms Scale.

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of binge-eating symptoms has deepened our understanding of eating disorders. However, there has been a lack of attention on the psychometrics of EMA binge-eating symptom measures. This paper focused on evaluating the psychometric properties of a four-item binge-eating symptom measure, including multilevel factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity. Forty-nine adults with binge-eating disorder and/or food addiction completed baseline questionnaires and a 10-day EMA protocol. During EMA, participants completed assessments of eating episodes, including four binge-eating symptom items. Analyses included multilevel exploratory factor analysis, computation of omega and intraclass correlation coefficients, and multilevel structural equation models of associations between contextual factors and binge-eating symptoms. A one within-subject factor solution fit the data and showed good multilevel reliability and adequate within-subjects variability. EMA binge-eating symptoms were associated with baseline binge-eating measures as well as relevant EMA eating characteristics: including greater unhealthful food and drink intake; higher perceived taste of food; lower likelihood to be planned eating; and lower likelihood of eating to occur at work/school and other locations and greater likelihood to occur at restaurants compared to home. In conclusion, the study findings support the psychometrics of a 4-item one-factor EMA measure of binge-eating symptoms.

Repeated binge-like eating episodes in female rats alter adenosine A2A and dopamine D2 receptor genes regulation in the brain reward system.

Binge-eating disorder is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent binge-eating episodes, during which individuals consume excessive amounts of highly palatable food (HPF) in a short time. This study investigates the intricate relationship between repeated binge-eating episode and the transcriptional regulation of two key genes, adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAR) and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), in selected brain regions of rats. Binge-like eating behavior on HPF was induced through the combination of food restrictions and frustration stress (15 min exposure to HPF without access to it) in female rats, compared to control rats subjected to only restriction or only stress or none of these two conditions. After chronic binge-eating episodes, nucleic acids were extracted from different brain regions, and gene expression levels were assessed through real-time quantitative PCR. The methylation pattern on genes' promoters was investigated using pyrosequencing. The analysis revealed A2AAR upregulation in the amygdala and in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and D2R downregulation in the nucleus accumbens in binge-eating rats. Concurrently, site-specific DNA methylation alterations at gene promoters were identified in the VTA for A2AAR and in the amygdala and caudate putamen for D2R. The alterations on A2AAR and D2R genes regulation highlight the significance of epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology of binge-eating behavior, and underscore the potential for targeted therapeutic interventions, to prevent the development of this maladaptive feeding behavior. These findings provide valuable insights for future research in the field of eating disorders. Using an animal model with face, construct, and predictive validity, in which cycles of food restriction and frustration stress evoke binge-eating behavior, we highlight the significance of epigenetic mechanisms on adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAR) and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) genes regulation. They could represent new potential targets for the pharmacological management of eating disorders characterized by this maladaptive feeding behavior.

Social Media Effects Regarding Eating Disorders and Body Image in Young Adolescents.

The following study investigates how eating problems and young people's body image are affected by social media. As social media becomes more pervasive, young teenagers are exposed to many pictures, messages, and influencers encouraging unachievable body and beauty ideals. The study investigates the link between social media usage and the development of binge eating disorder patterns and undesirable body image judgments. It also sheds light on the influence that so-called social media influencers and celebrities have on encouraging disordered eating patterns and forming negative body image perceptions. On websites like Instagram and TikTok, exposure to deliberately selected photographs of "ideal" body types encourages body dissatisfaction and poor self-worth. The research emphasizes social media's possible harm to this vulnerable group's physical and mental health by examining pertinent literature and empirical evidence. It also looks at potential safeguards and methods for fostering good mental and physical health in early adolescents during pervasive social networking site use. Promoting fad diets, weight-loss aids, and the exaltation of extreme thinness aids in the normalization of harmful behaviours. Social media's negative consequences on eating disorders and body image in young teenagers are highlighted by this study in its conclusion. As a critical developmental stage, early adolescence is vulnerable due to the effect of social media, which could normalize unhealthy behaviours and maintain negative body image and insecurities. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and educational programs to mitigate the adverse effects of eating problems and young people's body image in light of social media.

The emerging role of glucagon-like peptide 1 in binge eating.

Binge eating is a central component of two clinical eating disorders: binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. However, the large treatment gap highlights the need to identify other strategies to decrease binge eating. Novel pharmacotherapies may be one such approach. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an intestinal and brain-derived neuroendocrine signal with a critical role in promoting glycemic control through its incretin effect. Additionally, the energy balance effects of GLP-1 are well-established; activation of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) reduces food intake and body weight. Aligned with these beneficial metabolic effects, there are GLP-1R agonists that are currently used for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. A growing body of literature suggests that GLP-1 may also play an important role in binge eating. Dysregulation of the endogenous GLP-1 system is associated with binge eating in non-human animal models, and GLP-1R agonists may be a promising approach to suppress the overconsumption that occurs during binge eating. Here, we briefly discuss the role of GLP-1 in normal energy intake and reward and then review the emerging evidence suggesting that disruptions to GLP-1 signaling are associated with binge eating. We also consider the potential utility of GLP-1-based pharmacotherapies for reducing binge eating behavior.

Adaptive design trials in eating disorder research: A scoping review.

This scoping review sought to map the breadth of literature on the use of adaptive design trials in eating disorder research. A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, PsycInfo, Emcare, Econlit, CINAHL and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Articles were included if they reported on an intervention targeting any type of eating disorder (including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders), and employed the use of an adaptive design trial to evaluate the intervention. Two independent reviewers screened citations for inclusion, and data abstraction was performed by one reviewer and verified by a second. We identified five adaptive design trials targeting anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder conducted in the USA and Australia. All employed adaptive treatment arm switching based on early response to treatment and identified a priori stopping rules. None of the studies included value of information analysis to guide adaptive design decisions and none included lived experience perspectives. The limited use of adaptive designs in eating disorder trials represents a missed opportunity to improve enrolment targets, attrition rates, treatment outcomes and trial efficiency. We outline the range of adaptive methodologies, how they could be applied to eating disorder research, and the specific operational and statistical considerations relevant to adaptive design trials. Adaptive design trials are increasingly employed as flexible, efficient alternatives to fixed trial designs, but they are not often used in eating disorder research. This first scoping review identified five adaptive design trials targeting anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder that employed treatment arm switching adaptive methodology. We make recommendations on the use of adaptive design trials for future eating disorder trials.

Eating Disorders: A Historical Perspective and Analysis of Current Treatment Approaches

Eating disorders are severe mental health conditions that are associated with a high level of illness and death. These disorders, which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, have complex causes that involve a combination of genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors. The treatment for eating disorders focuses on restoring weight and establishing healthy eating habits, while also addressing underlying issues related to emotional regulation and distorted thoughts. Over time, the approach to treating eating disorders has evolved, with changes in both psychiatry and clinical psychology. In the past, these disorders were often seen as unexplainable forms of hysteria and were treated with rest cures and confinement in asylums. The introduction of psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and pharmacology brought about an expansion in the range of therapeutic options available, although their effectiveness remained limited. Progress was made through the establishment of specialized inpatient programs and the implementation of standardized treatment protocols, leading to improved outcomes. Presently, evidence-based protocols incorporate psychological therapy, nutrition rehabilitation, and medical monitoring that are tailored to meet the individual needs of patients. Among the various treatment approaches, family-based treatment has shown the strongest empirical support for young individuals, while enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy has proven effective for adults. Despite the significant advancements made, eating disorder interventions still face challenges such as high relapse rates, indicating the need for further evolution in intervention strategies to enhance prevention and accessibility. This paper aims to examine the historical development of eating disorder treatments while providing a critical analysis of the current gold standard interventions. The discussion will address the persisting challenges in reducing eating disorder morbidity and mortality by exploring innovative therapeutic targets, modalities, and methods of dissemination.

An examination of state and trait urgency in individuals with binge-eating disorder.

Negative urgency (i.e., acting rashly when experiencing negative affect; NU), is a theorised maintenance factor in binge-eating type eating disorders. This study examined the association between trait NU and eating disorder severity, momentary changes in state NU surrounding episodes of binge eating, and the momentary mechanistic link between affect, rash action, and binge-eating risk. Participants were 112 individuals with binge-eating disorder (BED). Baseline measures included the UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale to assess trait NU and the Eating Disorders Examination to assess binge-eating frequency and global eating disorder severity. Ecological momentary assessment captured real-time data on binge eating, negative affect, and state NU. Multiple regression analysis revealed a strong association between trait NU and eating disorder severity. Generalised estimating equations showed that state NU increased before and decreased after binge-eating episodes, and that this pattern was not moderated by trait-level NU. Finally, a multilevel structural equation model indicated that increases in rash action mediated the momentary relationship between states of high negative affect and episodes of binge eating. These findings underscore the importance of both trait and state NU in binge-eating type eating disorders, and suggest NU as a potential key target for intervention.

Emotional dysregulation moderates the relation between perceived stress and emotional eating in adolescent military dependents.

Adolescent children of US service members (i.e., military-dependent youth) face unique stressors that increase risk for various forms of disinhibited eating, including emotional eating. Difficulties with adaptively responding to stress and aversive emotions may play an important role in emotional eating. This study examined emotion dysregulation as a potential moderator of the association between perceived stress and emotional eating in adolescent military dependents. Participants were military-dependent youth (N = 163, 57.7% female, Mage = 14.5 ± 1.6, MBMI-z = 1.9 ± 0.4) at risk for adult binge-eating disorder and high weight enrolled in a randomized controlled prevention trial. Prior to intervention, participants completed questionnaires assessing perceived stress and emotional eating. Parents completed a questionnaire assessing their adolescent's emotion dysregulation. Moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro in SPSS and adjusted for theoretically relevant sociodemographic covariates. The interaction between adolescent perceived stress and emotion dysregulation (parent-reported about the adolescent) in relation to adolescent emotional eating was found to be significant, such that higher emotion dysregulation magnified the association between perceived stress and emotional eating (p = .010). Examination of simple slopes indicated that associations between perceived stress and emotional eating were strongest for youth with above-average emotion dysregulation, and non-significant for youth with average or below-average emotion dysregulation. Findings suggest that greater emotion dysregulation may increase risk for emotional eating in response to stress among military-dependent youth at risk for binge-eating disorder or high weight. Improving emotion regulation skills may be a useful target for eating disorder prevention among youth who are at risk for emotional eating. Prior research has shown that adolescent military dependents are at increased risk for eating disorders and high weight. The current study found that emotion dysregulation moderated the relationship between perceived stress and emotional eating among military-dependent youth. There may be clinical utility in intervening on emotion regulation for adolescent dependents at particular risk for emotional eating and subsequent eating disorders.

Practical guidelines for eating disorder risk mitigation in patients undergoing obesity treatment for the pediatric provider.

Pediatric obesity is a growing concern globally. Patients with a history of overweight/obesity often experience stigmatization, especially in the healthcare setting, and are at increased risk of developing psychological comorbidities including eating disorders. This review appraises the most recent studies evaluating eating disorder risk in youth undergoing treatment for obesity, identifies gaps in the literature, and offers practical guidelines to pediatric providers regarding the management of this population. Recent studies suggest that structured weight management programs may decrease the risk of and/or improve symptoms of certain eating disorders such as binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. There is a paucity of research on some components of obesity management such as obesity pharmacotherapeutics and eating disorder risk. Children and adolescents with obesity are a psychologically vulnerable population with increased risk for the development of eating disorders. Further study is needed to evaluate general risk in the setting of specialized and primary care obesity interventions and develop appropriate screening and mitigation tools. Some evidence-based strategies can aid pediatric providers in both weight management and eating disorder prevention and risk assessment.

Mapping Treatment Advances in the Neurobiology of Binge Eating Disorder: A Concept Paper.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a complex and heritable mental health disorder, with genetic, neurobiological, neuroendocrinological, environmental and developmental factors all demonstrated to contribute to the aetiology of this illness. Although psychotherapy is the gold standard for treating BED, a significant subgroup of those treated do not recover. Neurobiological research highlights aberrances in neural regions associated with reward processing, emotion processing, self-regulation and executive function processes, which are clear therapeutic targets for future treatment frameworks. Evidence is emerging of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which may mediate energy balance, high-lighting a possible underlying pathogenesis factor of BED, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy.