Prevalence Of Eating Disorders Research Articles

Factors associated with the risk of developing eating disorders among medical students in Casablanca, Morocco

Introductionles troubles du comportement alimentaire (TCA) sont particulièrement fréquents chez les jeunes adultes, y compris les étudiants. Les objectifs de cette étude sont de déterminer la prévalence d'éventuels troubles du comportement alimentaire chez les étudiants en médecine de Casablanca et d´évaluer le risque de TCA selon les facteurs associés, notamment les facteurs socioéconomiques, cliniques, l´anxiété et la dépression.Méthodesnous avons mené une étude transversale descriptive et analytique au niveau du Centre Hospiatlier Universiatire Ibn Rochd de Casablanca et à la faculté de médecine et de pharmacie de Casablanca Maroc, durant l´année universitaire 2016-2017. L´enquête a porté sur un échantillon de 506 étudiants. Nous avons utilisé le questionnaire SCOFF-F (Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food; version française), un outil validé pour le dépistage des troubles du comportement alimentaire et l´échelle HAD (Hospital anxiety and depression) pour dépister les troubles anxieux et dépressifs.Résultatsle questionnaire SCOFF a détecté 127 personnes (soit 25,09%) sur 506 susceptibles de souffrir de troubles du comportement alimentaire. L´âge, le niveau d´études, l´utilisation des moyens de contrôle du poids, l´anxiété et la dépression sont des facteurs associés de façon significative au risque de présenter un trouble du comportement alimentaire chez les étudiants.Conclusionnos résultats sont en accord avec les données de la littérature concernant la fréquence des troubles du comportement alimentaire en population étudiante et plus spécifiquement les étudiants en médecine. Mener d´autres études sur une population plus variée pourraient également être envisagées afin d´avoir une vision plus globale de la situation au Maroc.

Evaluating evidence-based interventions in low socio-economic-status populations.

Socio-economic-status (SES) has rarely been reported or investigated in eating disorders (EDs) research. This Research Forum considers, from various perspectives, how SES may impact on evaluating evidence-based treatments for EDs. We first reviewed previous literature that informs how SES impacts prevalence of EDs, help-seeking, and treatment outcome. We then present findings from a case series effectiveness study of an early intervention program in low SES areas for EDs and discuss implications about the impact of SES on the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions. Finally, we examine barriers to conducting rigorous evaluations in this population and discuss directions for future treatment outcome research. Evidence suggests a higher level of disordered eating but less help seeking in lower SES groups. In our case series, 96 participants started treatment and completed a mean of 13.85 sessions, 84 (87.5%) completed a mean of 6.40 sessional measures on ED cognitions and behaviors, but only 31% completed more extensive pre-treatment and post-treatment measures. The completer effect size decrease for the global Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire score was 2.05 (95% CI: 1.43, 2.68) commensurate with other effectiveness studies in mixed SES groups. The high rates of missing data related to more extensive assessment present a barrier to evaluating evidence-based treatments in this population. Evidence from the present study revealed individuals from low SES can achieve similar treatment outcomes to other populations when receiving evidence-based ED treatment. Future studies should investigate a range of approaches to maximizing data collection, including use of shorter sessional measures.

Prevalence of eating disorders and comorbid psychopathology in a US sample of treatment-seeking veterans.

Eating disorders (EDs) are a well-studied public health issue in the general population. Less is known, however, about the prevalence of such conditions and levels of comorbid psychopathology among military and veteran populations. The current study sought to describe the probable prevalence of EDs and levels of comorbid psychopathology using a racially diverse treatment-seeking sample of US veteran men and women. Veterans (N =254) presenting for routine clinical care completed self-report questionnaires assessing EDs, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and shame. Thirty-one percent of the sample met probable criteria for either bulimia nervosa (BN), binge-eating disorder, or purging disorder. Although overall ED prevalence estimates were similar across men and women, estimates of BN were higher among Black veterans compared to White veterans or veterans who identified as a race other than Black or White. Further, mean levels of psychopathology were significantly higher in veterans with a probable ED compared to those without. This study extends previous research and highlights the importance of establishing dedicated ED screening programs within the Veterans Health Administration.

Prevalence of disordered eating, eating disorders and risk of low energy availability in professional, competitive and recreational female athletes based in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT Eating disorders (ED), disordered eating (DE) and low energy availability (LEA) can be detrimental to health and performance. Previous studies have independently investigated the prevalence of ED, DE or LEA; however, few combined methods have identified risk within female athletes. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of ED, DE and LEA in UK-based female athletes and investigate whether associations exist between age, competition level and primary sport. The Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST) and Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) were used in a cross-sectional study design. A total of 112 responses eligible for analysis were received. A total of 16%, 44% and 53% of female athletes were at risk of ED (FAST: >94), DE and LEA, respectively. Competition level (recreational, competitive or professional athletes; fishers, p ≤ 0.05) influenced and was a predictor of FAST (R 2 = 0.076, F (1,110) = 10.067, p ≤ 0.05, variance inflation value; VIF = 1.0) whereas age influenced (age: H (2) = 13.128, p ≤ 0.05), and was a predictor (R 2 = 0.144, F (2,109) = 9.170, p ≤ 0.05, VIF = 1.0) of LEAF-Q. A positive correlation was observed between FAST and LEAF-Q scores (R = 0.496, p ≤ 0.05). Age and competition level may be predicting risk factors of ED/DE and LEA within female athletes; however, further research is required to support the findings of this present study.

Pilot outcomes from a multidisciplinary telehealth versus in‐person intensive outpatient program for eating disorders during versus before the Covid‐19 pandemic

Eating disorders (EDs) are serious mental illnesses with high rates of mortality, morbidity, and personal and societal costs. Onset of the Covid-19 pandemic led to increased ED diagnoses in the general public, as well as worsening of ED symptoms in those with an existing ED diagnosis. Heightened prevalence and severity of EDs during the pandemic is complicated by the fact that traditional modes of ED care (specialty intensive treatment provided by a multidisciplinary team) have been difficult to access during the pandemic. The current between-groups study (N=93 ED) tested a multidisciplinary intensive outpatient program (IOP) delivered via in-person (pre-pandemic; n=60) and virtually via telehealth (during the pandemic; n=33). We found no differences in outcomes via delivery mode, such that regardless of in-person versus telehealth programming, ED symptoms, depression, and perfectionism significantly decreased and body mass index significantly increased. Our findings suggest that a multi-disciplinary telehealth ED IOP program is feasible and has comparable outcomes to in-person IOP treatment. These findings have implications for treatment beyond the pandemic, suggesting that adoption of telehealth IOPs is warranted. Such delivery modes of intensive treatments for EDs could be expanded to reach underserved populations, especially in rural areas where treatment is often difficult to access.

Food insecurity and its associations with bulimic-spectrum eating disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.

PurposeTo examine cross-sectional associations between food insecurity and 12-month eating disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders among U.S. adults.MethodsThis study used data collected between 2001 and 2003 from 2914 participants in the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication, a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (mean age = 44.9 years; 53.4% female). Twelve-month food insecurity was assessed with a modified version of the Short Form U.S. Household Food Security Scale. Twelve-month DSM-IV diagnoses of mental disorders were based on the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Modified Poisson regression models were conducted, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and income-to-poverty ratio.ResultsFood insecurity was experienced by 11.1% of participants. Food insecurity was associated with greater prevalence of bulimic-spectrum eating disorders (prevalence ratio [PR] = 3.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.26–6.42), mood disorders (PR = 2.53; 95% CI 1.96–3.29), and anxiety disorders (PR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.39–2.07).ConclusionResults indicate that food insecurity is associated with a range of internalizing mental disorders, though these findings should be confirmed with contemporary data to reflect DSM-5 diagnostic updates and the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from this study emphasize the need to expand food insecurity interventions and improve access to mental health services for food-insecure populations.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00127-021-02126-5.

Disordered eating and eating disorders among women seeking fertility treatment: A systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the prevalence of disordered eating and eating disorders among women seeking fertility treatment.Observational studies were searched in Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycInfo. Studies published prior to September 2020 when the search was conducted were considered. Inclusion criteria included (1) original and empirical research, (2) published in a peer-reviewed journal, and (3) reported on disordered eating among women seeking fertility treatment in the sample or reported on prevalence of eating disorders among women seeking fertility treatment in the sample. Independent screening of abstracts was conducted by two authors (LH and AH). Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Sample size, study location, measures, and results for each study in this review were reported.Among women pursuing fertility treatment, rates of current eating disorders ranged from 0.5 to 16.7%, while past eating disorder prevalence rates ranged from 1.4 to 27.5%. Current anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa was reported by up to 2% and 10.3% of women, respectively, while history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa was reported by up to 8.5% and 3.3% of women, respectively. Binge eating disorder or other eating disorders were reported by up to 18.5% and 9.1% of women, respectively. Disordered eating pathology was endorsed by 1.6 to 48% of women seeking fertility treatment. Endorsement of pathological eating attitudes was generally higher among women seeking fertility treatment with current or past eating disorders as compared to community samples, with the exception of dietary restraint. Rates of current and past eating disorders are higher among women seeking fertility treatment than in the general population. Providers treating women with infertility should be cognizant of these prevalence rates and consider screening for eating pathology in their patients as this may contribute to their likelihood of successful conception and/or subsequent pregnancy outcomes.

Prevalence of mood, panic and eating disorders in obese patients referred to bariatric surgery: patterns of comorbidity and relationship with body mass index

PurposeWe aimed at investigating the lifetime prevalence of mood, eating and panic disorders in a large sample of obese patients referred to bariatric surgery. We also explored the patterns of psychiatric comorbidity and their relationship with Body Mass Index (BMI).MethodsThe sample was composed of patients consecutively referred for pre-surgical evaluation to the Obesity Center of Pisa University Hospital between January 2004 and November 2016. Clinical charts were retrieved and examined to obtain sociodemographic information, anthropometric variables and lifetime psychiatric diagnoses according to DSM-IV criteria.ResultsA total of 871 patients were included in the study; 72% were females, and most patients had BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 (81%). Overall, 55% of the patients were diagnosed with at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder. Binge eating disorder (27.6%), major depressive disorder (16%), bipolar disorder type 2 (15.5%), and panic disorder (16%) were the most common psychiatric diagnoses. Mood disorders showed associations with panic disorder (OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.90–3.99, χ2 = 41.85, p = 0.000) and eating disorders (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.64–2.88, χ2 = 55.54, p = 0.000). BMI was lower in patients with major depressive disorder (44.9 ± 7.89) than in subjects without mood disorders (46.75 ± 7.99, padj = 0.017).ConclusionBariatric patients show high rates of psychiatric disorders, especially binge eating and mood disorders. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the possible influence of such comorbidities on the long-term outcome after bariatric surgery.Level of evidenceV, cross sectional descriptive study.

Cultural Considerations in the Treatment of Eating Disorders among Racial/Ethnic Minorities: A Systematic Review

Eating disorders (ED) prevalence is rising among ethnic and racial minority groups, yet disparities persist in treatment seeking, and effectiveness. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize works that provide theoretically grounded and empirically evidenced clinical recommendations for the inclusion of culture in the treatment of eating disorders in non-white individuals. Thirty one articles revealed the following 11 core recommendation themes for how to effectively address culture in ED treatment: use culturally sensitive interventions; address barriers to treatment; understand patients within their cultural context; explore the impact of culturally contextual factors; assume a collaborative, curious therapeutic stance; understand nuances that impact clinical presentations; explore family/social supports; provide education/psychoeducation; explore ethnic identity, acculturation and acculturative stress; become educated about working with ethnic and racial minorities; and use a culturally flexible diagnostic model. Consolidating these recommendations evidenced from the literature fills a gap relevant to ED treatment and provides empirically derived, culturally-accommodating guidance on how future studies may include ethnic and racial considerations when developing treatment approaches and/or evaluating outcomes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and odds of eating disorders in patients with celiac disease and vice-versa.

In the present systematic review and meta-analysis study, we aimed to review studies that assessed the prevalence and risk of eating disorders (EDs) in patients with celiac disease (CD) and vice-versa. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies that assessed the prevalence and risk of AN in patients with CD and vice-versa. Joanna Briggs Institute tools were used for critical appraisal. The STATA software was used for the meta-analysis of the random-effect model. In this study, 23 observational studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that the pooled prevalence of EDs and bulimia nervosa in patients with CD was 8.88% [95% CI: 6.4, 11.7] and 7.26% [95% CI: 0.23, 21.57], respectively. Moreover, the risk of anorexia nervosa in patients with CD was significantly higher than in the healthy population (relative risk [RR]: 1.48 [95% CI: 1.32, 1.64]). The rates of CD in patients with AN and EDs were 0.96% [95% CI: 0.15, 2.31] and 0.90% [95% CI: 0.56, 1.31], respectively. Moreover, the overall risk of CD in patients with AN was significantly higher compared with healthy adults (RR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.27-3.44]). The result of the present meta-analysis showed the high prevalence of EDs in patients with CD. Moreover, there was a significant bidirectional association between CD and EDs.

Eating disorder symptomatology in transgender patients: Differences across gender identity and gender affirmation.

Past studies have reported high rates of eating disorder (ED) symptomatology among transgender people, yet without consideration of gender affirmation. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between gender identity, gender affirming interventions such as gender affirming hormones (GAH) and gender affirming surgeries (GAS), and ED symptomatology. Transgender patients at a primary care outpatient gender health program in the United States completed a survey consisting of demographics, medical history, and clinical variables, including the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Multivariate analyses of covariance were conducted to compare EDE-Q scores across gender identity and gender affirmation. Compared to transgender men (n=79), transgender women (n=87) reported higher EDE-Q scores and significantly higher Eating Concern. Compared to hormone/surgery-naïve and hormone-experienced/surgery-naïve patients, hormone/surgery-experienced patients had lower EDE-Q scores. Hormone/surgery-experienced patients reported significantly lower Shape Concern and marginally lower Global Score and Weight Concern than hormone-experienced/surgery-naïve patients. There were no differences in EDE-Q scores between hormone/surgery-naïve and hormone-experienced/surgery-naïve patients. Transgender patients report high levels of ED symptomatology. There are subtle, yet important, differences in ED between gender identities and gender affirmations. High ED prevalence may result from the dual pathways of sociocultural pressures as well as gender dysphoria. Both GAH and GAS may be effective interventions to support gender affirmation and thereby alleviate ED symptomatology. While the potential positive benefits of GAS on ED are more apparent, the effects of GAH are less clear.

Eating Disorders and the Use of Cognitive Enhancers and Psychostimulants Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundUniversity students, who are at risk of eating disorders (ED), are more liable to use cognitive enhancers and psychostimulants to improve their cognitive functions and lose weight. ED in Palestinian male students is a neglected health issue. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and the association between ED and cognitive enhancers, and psychostimulants use among An-Najah National University students (ANNU).MethodsIn a cross-sectional study conducted in 2020 at ANNU, 1047 students completed anonymous surveys for cognitive enhancers practice, the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), Sick, Control, One, Fat and FOOD (SCOFF) screening tests.ResultsThe prevalence of ED among ANNU students was 21.2% based on EAT-26 (17.1% in males, 23.8% in females) and 31.5% based on SCOFF (24.0% in males, 36.3% in females). The binary logistic regression revealed that students at risk to have ED were water-pipe smokers (OR: 1.471, p-value 0.047), especially males, while students who were less likely to have ED were males (OR: 0.341, p-value<0.001), coffee users (OR: 0.581, p-value 0.014) and chocolate users (OR: 0.530, p-value 0.041) than nonusers. Moreover, the risk of ED increased with increasing body mass index (p-value<0.01). Clinical medical students showed the lowest prevalence (11.1%) compared to preclinical (22.5%), health sciences (23.7%), and non-medical students (20.9%) (p-value 0.059).ConclusionOur findings highlight water-pipe smoking as a significant health problem in males with ED, which may require unique treatment and prevention strategies. Moreover, coffee and chocolate consumption were associated with decreased risk of ED, only among males. The gender-gap in ED prevalence was very narrow compared to international results. These results prompt the need to focus on both genders in future studies instead of females. They also suggest the urgent need to address ED among Palestinian university students by educating students about mental health, identifying high-risk students, and offering easily accessible psychological help.

PREVALENCE OF EATING DISORDERS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN INDIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Aim: To study the actual factors and prevalence behind the Eating disorder among college students because we know Eating disorder (ED) reported to be most increased among Young adult who are college students that face many challenges as they navigate with transitional life stage. Objective: 1. To assess the prevalence of eating disorder among Indian college students. 2. To assess the factors that is associated with the reported prevalence of eating disorders. Methodology: - This study used the Quantitative research approach and system review design. Data collection was based on the inclusive criteria: - studies on Indian College students with eating disorder .Data was searched From the PubMed, Pub psych, Google scholar and Medline plus, databases and finally 10 original articles which were added to the records. Result: Prevalence of EDs is traditionally considered to affect mainly women. In point prevalence of EDs was higher in women than in men. However, this finding varies according to the type of ED. Male subjects are usually considered to account for 10% of subjects with AN or BN .Factor associated to eating disorder also varied in the studies. Cultural activities association with ED, where as three studies had shown that attitude related to eating cause the problem, Past Disease Association with present hobbits of eating, Stress , social norms, Self esteem are also association with ED Conclusion: EDs are traditionally considered to affect mainly women. This review confirms the highest prevalence for AN followed by BN In point prevalence of EDs was higher in women than in men. There is need to focus on more research studies on eating disorder by using random sampling method.

Understanding Disordered Eating Risks in Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions

Emerging data are illuminating the connection between gastrointestinal (GI) conditions such as disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with disordered eating. 1 Singh P. Arora A. Strand T.A. Leffler D.A. Catassi C. Green P.H. et al. Global prevalence of celiac disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018; 16: 823-836 e2 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (447) Google Scholar , 2 Houghton LA, Heitkemper M, Crowell M, Emmanuel A, Halpert A, McRoberts JA, et al. Age, gender and women's health and the patient. Gastroenterology. February 15, 2016 [Epub ahead of print]. Google Scholar , 3 Murray H.B. Flanagan R. Banashefski B. Silvernale C.J. Kuo B. Staller K. Frequency of eating disorder pathology among patients with chronic constipation and contribution of gastrointestinal-specific anxiety. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020; 18: 2471-2478 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar , 4 Harer K.N. Irritable bowel syndrome, disordered eating, and eating disorders. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2019; 15: 280-282 PubMed Google Scholar , 5 Passananti V. Siniscalchi M. Zingone F. Bucci C. Tortora R. Iovino P. et al. Prevalence of eating disorders in adults with celiac disease. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2013; 2013: 491657 Crossref PubMed Scopus (38) Google Scholar , 6 Hedman A. Breithaupt L. Hubel C. Thornton L.M. Tillander A. Norring C. et al. Bidirectional relationship between eating disorders and autoimmune diseases. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2019; 60: 803-812 Crossref PubMed Scopus (36) Google Scholar In turn, eating disorders (EDs), such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) can lead to alterations in GI function. 7 Hetterich L. Mack I. Giel K.E. Zipfel S. Stengel A. An update on gastrointestinal disturbances in eating disorders. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2019; 497: 110318 Crossref PubMed Scopus (24) Google Scholar ,8 Santonicola A. Gagliardi M. Guarino M.P.L. Siniscalchi M. Ciacci C. Iovino P. Eating disorders and gastrointestinal diseases. Nutrients. 2019; 11 Crossref PubMed Scopus (27) Google Scholar In a systematic review of 94 studies with an accurate ED diagnosis, the weighted mean of lifetime ED were 8.4% (range, 3.3% to 18.6%) for women and 2.2% (range, 0.8% to 6.5%) for men. A doubling in prevalence over the study timeline was also noted; the weighted means of point ED prevalence increased from 3.5% for the 2000-2006 period to 7.8% for the 2013-2018 period. 9 Galmiche M. Dechelotte P. Lambert G. Tavolacci M.P. Prevalence of eating disorders over the 2000-2018 period: a systematic literature review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019; 109: 1402-1413 Crossref PubMed Scopus (246) Google Scholar It is important to interpret prevalence rates for men with caution because they are underrepresented in ED research and less likely to be screened or referred for treatment. 10 Cottrell D.B. Williams J. Eating disorders in men. Nurse Pract. 2016; 41: 49-55 Crossref PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar

Let’s talk about it: An atypical case

IntroductionCross-sectional studies report the high comorbility of substance use (SUD) with eating disorders (ED). This case report aims to describe a case of anorexia nervosa and alcohol use disorder in a 18 year old male.ObjectivesBased on the need to formulate protocols, we aim to conduct a systematic review on the recent literature research on this coexisting psychiatric disorders.MethodsRelevant studies were sourced from published literature and reviewed.ResultsThe prevalence of ED is higher in women than in men, with a ratio of 7:1; however it is the latter that present the most serious clinical pictures. It should be also noted that no all types of ED present the same comorbility, but rather those with bulimic symptoms are the ones that most resort to substance abuse, so the distinction between subtypes is highly relevant.ConclusionsIt is important that clinicians are aware of the severity of this combination and the need for a specific and careful management. Also important to taking into account the limited bibliography on the subject, it is especially important to expand research.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Binge eating disorder, emotional eating and night eating syndrome: A comparative study between subjects with normal weight, overweight and obesity

IntroductionObesity has been associated with certain psychiatric disorders, especially in patients seeking treatment. It is known that obesity is not a psychiatric disorder in itself, however, it should be noted that a significant part of the population has some type of clinical eating disorder.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess levels of Binge Eating Disorder, Night Eating Syndrome and Emotional Eating patterns, according to different groups of Body Mass Index categories.MethodsA sample of 220 subjects, aged between 18 and 81 years old, with an average age of 33 years participated in this study. 140 (63.6%) were female and 80 were male (36.4%) The sample was divided into three comparison groups, according to the Body Mass Index (BMI). The following measures were used: Sociodemographic questionnaire, Binge Eating Scale, Night Eating Habits Questionnaire, and the Emotional Eating Scale.ResultsWhen comparing the different BMI groups, it was found that obese subjects were the ones that most reported binge eating behavior. Overweight subjects had higher levels of binge eating when compared to normal-weight participants, but this was not true for Night Eating habits. Subjects with normal weight reported more nocturnal eating behavior, followed by obese individuals.ConclusionsThe prevalence of binge eating disorder seems to be more frequent in obese people, tending to increase according to the level of severity of obesity. Normal-weight subjects reported more nocturnal eating behavior, so they may be more likely to develop this syndrome and, consequently, overweight or obesity.

Eating Disorders in Top Elite Beach Handball Players: Cross Sectional Study.

(1) Background: The preoccupation with the increasing appearance of eating disorders (ED) in athletes continues to grow, especially in athletes who practice team sports. ED severely affects the eating habits of the athletes, who tend to use unhealthy approaches to control their body weight. The development of nutritional education and early interventions by training staff is essential, and these factors are widely perceived as beneficial in sports medicine. This study evaluates the frequency at which beach handball (BH) players develop ED, also comparing the differences by sex and age (junior: adolescents vs. senior: young adults). In addition, the relation between body composition variables and ED was studied. (2) Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 69 top elite handball players (36 males and 33 females) from the Spanish National BH Team; who were separated by age (junior: adolescents and senior: young adults). The athletes completed the Eating Attitudes Test in its 26 item version (EAT-26). (3) Results: The prevalence of ED indicated that 11% of females had a high possibility of developing an ED, and 3% of males. Regarding the EAT-26 total score and subscales, no significant differences were found between female and male participants, or between the junior and senior categories. The correlations showed an association between body composition, in terms of body mass index, and the EAT-26 total score in both males and females. In the case of males, the correlation was negative. (4) Conclusions: Although there are no significant differences between sex or categories, it has been found that elite athletes are a population that is at high risk of developing ED.

Eating disorder prevalence among multiracial US undergraduate and graduate students: Is multiracial risk different than the sum of each identity?

The number of individuals identifying as multiracial in the United States (US) has significantly increased in the past few decades, yet they are rarely the focus of study in eating disorders (ED) research. The current study is among the first to examine prevalence estimates of ED pathology across several distinct multiracial groups, to contrast prevalence estimates of ED pathology in each multiracial group with those among the corresponding monoracial identities, and to investigate these findings intersectionally with gender identity. Data from 145,379 US students, 11,433 of whom were multiracial, were collected from 199 US colleges and universities participating in the Healthy Minds Study between 2014 and 2019. Elevated ED pathology was defined as a score ≥ 2 on the SCOFF. Multiracial individuals identifying as American Indian/Alaskan Native and Hispanic/Latinx exhibited the highest prevalence estimates of elevated ED pathology (41.4% compared to 23.5% in the full sample). This group, as well as some other doubly marginalized groups (African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx; African American/Black and Asian American/Asian), exhibited higher prevalence of elevated ED pathology than expected based on the observed prevalence estimates in their corresponding monoracial groups. Across gender identities, greater than expected prevalence estimates of elevated ED pathology were observed among multiracial individuals identifying as African American/Black and White and lower than expected prevalence estimates were observed among multiracial individuals identifying as Middle Eastern/Arab/Arab American and White. These results have important implications for understanding ED pathology in multiracial individuals and should inform intervention and treatment efforts to support individuals from these underserved groups.

Eating and Psychiatric Disorders Are Independent Risk Factors for Rumination Syndrome.

The goal of this study was to evaluate whether a history of eating disorders (EDs) or psychiatric disorders (PDs) are risk factors for rumination syndrome (RS). RS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction characterized by an effortless postprandial retrograde flow of ingested contents. Disorder of gut-brain interactions have been associated with psychiatric and behavioral comorbidities. No prior comparative study has assessed the relationship between RS and ED or PD. This was a case-control study of adults with RS at a tertiary center in January 2013 to January 2018. Two age-matched/gender-matched controls per RS case were identified. The Fisher exact test (categorical)/Student t test (continuous) and forward stepwise logistic regression were performed for univariate and multivariable analyses, respectively. Seventy-two patients (24 cases/48 controls) were included. Baseline demographics and characteristics were similar between cases and controls. Among RS patients, 9 (37.5%) had a history of ED, including 3 (12.5%) anorexia nervosa and 4 (16.7%) bulimia nervosa; and 20 (83.3%) had a PD, including 9 (37.5%) anxiety and 7 (29.2%) depression. Prevalence of ED (37.5% vs. 4.2%, P=0.0002) and PD (83.3% vs. 50.0%, P=0.0062) were higher among RS patients than controls. Specifically, the risks of anorexia nervosa (16.7% vs. 0%, P=0.005) and bulimia nervosa (21.1% vs. 0%, P=0.001) were both increased in RS patients. On multivariable analysis, ED (adjusted odds ratio=16.4, P=0.0033) and PD (adjusted odds ratio=4.47, P=0.029) remained independent predictors for RS. A history of ED and PD were independent risk factors for RS. Abnormal eating behaviors and psychiatric comorbidities may contribute to the pathogenesis of RS. Evaluation of RS should include a detailed history for ED and PD.

DSM-5 eating disorder prevalence, gender differences, and mental health associations in United States military veterans.

Little is known about prevalence estimates of new and revised DSM-5 eating disorders diagnoses in general, and especially among high-risk, underserved and diverse eating disorder populations. The aim of the current study was to determine prevalence, gender differences and correlates of DSM-5 eating disorders in veterans. Iraq and Afghanistan war era veterans (N = 1,121, 51.2% women) completed the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale-5 and validated measures of eating pathology and mental health between July 2014 and September 2019. Overall more women than men (32.8% vs. 18.8%, p < .001) reported symptoms consistent with a DSM-5 eating disorder. Prevalence estimates (women vs. men) for the specific diagnoses were: Anorexia Nervosa (AN; 0.0% vs. 0.0%), Bulimia Nervosa (BN; 6.1% vs. 3.5%), Binge-Eating Disorder (BED; 4.4% vs. 2.9%), Atypical AN (AAN; 13.6% vs. 4.9%), Subclinical BN (0.0% vs. 0.2%), Subclinical BED (1.4% vs. 0.6%), Purging Disorder (2.1% vs. 0.7%), and Night Eating Syndrome (NES; 5.2% vs. 6.0%). Women were more likely to have BN or AAN, and there was no difference for BED or NES among genders. The eating disorder group had a higher mean BMI, and significantly greater eating pathology and mental health symptoms than the non-eating disorder group. Approximately one-third of women, and one-fifth of men, reported symptoms consistent with a DSM-5 eating disorder diagnosis. These high prevalence estimates across genders, and associated mental health concerns, suggest an urgent need to better understand and address eating disorders in military and veteran populations.