Shape Concern Scores Research Articles

Determination of Eating Disorders Level and Risk Factors of University Students Studying Sports Education

Eating disorder has become an increasingly common problem among athletes. This study aims to determine eating disorder levels and risk factors of students studying sports education. This study was carried out on 1773 university students, 1084 (61.1%) of whom are female and 689 (38.9%) male, in the field of sports education in different provinces in Turkey. The information of the participants was collected with an individual information form and an Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). All EDEQ sub-dimension scores and the total score were found to be statistically significantly higher in males than in females (p <0.05) except for the restraint score. It was found that, as BMI (Body Mass Index) value increased, there was a statistically significant increase in all sub-dimensions of EDEQ and EDEQ total score (p<0.05). Eating concern and shape concern scores were found to be statistically higher in those who did not perform physical activities than those who performed physical activities (respectively; p=0.030, p=0.004). An increase in the EDE-Q score indicates an increased risk of eating disorders. It can be said that being a male, having a high BMI, and engaging in strength/power sports increase the risk of eating disorders in individuals who receive sports education.

Development and Validation of an Eating-Related Eco-Concern Questionnaire.

Eco-concern, the distress experienced relating to climate change, is associated with mental health, yet no study has examined disordered eating related to eco-concern. This study developed and validated a 10-item scale assessing Eating-Related Eco-Concern (EREC). Participants (n = 224) completed the EREC, Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS), and Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Construct validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency were evaluated. Sex differences in EREC were evaluated using t-tests. Associations among the EREC, CCWS, and EDE-Q were evaluated using linear regression models. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in individuals below EDE-Q global score clinical cut-offs. Factor analysis suggested that all items loaded adequately onto one factor. Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman analyses suggested strong correlation and acceptable agreement between the EREC and CCWS (r = 0.57), but weak correlation and low agreement with the EDE-Q global score (r = 0.14). The EREC had acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.88). No sex difference was observed in the EREC in the full sample; females had a significantly higher mean score than males in sensitivity analysis. The EREC was significantly positively associated with the CCWS and EDE-Q global and shape concern scores, but not in sensitivity analysis. The EREC is a brief, validated scale that can be useful to screen for eating-related eco-concern.

Exploring the association between early adaptive schemas and self-reported eating disorder symptomatology.

The current study aimed to examine the relationship between early adaptive schemas and eating disorder symptomatology in adults. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to collect data from 352 females and 36 males aged between 18 and 49 years (M = 25.70, SD = 7.04). Participants completed an online questionnaire, which included The Young Positive Schema Questionnaire (YPSQ), Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and demographic measures. Four separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that high levels of Healthy Boundaries and low levels of Optimism significantly predicted lower Restraint, Eating Concern, Shape Concern and Weight Concern scores. Additionally, higher scores in Emotional Openness and Social Belonging significantly predicted lower Eating Concern, while higher scores in Self-Care significantly predicted lower levels of Shape Concern. The findings highlight the protective function that certain early adaptive schemas may play in mitigating eating disorder symptomatology. Moreover, the findings allude to potential modifiable therapy targets in the treatment of eating disorders. Further research is needed to investigate any differences in early adaptive schemas between eating disorder diagnoses.

Community norms for the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) among gender-expansive populations

PurposeGender-expansive individuals (i.e., those who identify outside of the binary system of man or woman) are a marginalized group that faces discrimination and have a high burden of mental health problems, but there is a paucity of research on eating disorders in this population. This study aimed to describe the community norms for the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) in gender-expansive populations.MethodsThe participants were 988 gender-expansive individuals (defined as neither exclusively cisgender nor binary transgender) from The PRIDE study, an existing longitudinal cohort study of health outcomes in sexual and gender minority people.ResultsWe present the mean scores, standard deviations, and percentile ranks for the Global score and four subscale scores of the EDE-Q in this group as a whole and stratified by sex assigned at birth. Gender-expansive individuals reported any occurrence (≥1/28 days) of dietary restraint (23.0%), objective binge episodes (12.9%), excessive exercise (7.4%), self-induced vomiting (1.4%), or laxative misuse (1.2%). We found no statistically significant differences by sex assigned at birth. Compared to a prior study of transgender men and women, there were no significant differences in eating attitudes or disordered eating behaviors noted between gender-expansive individuals and transgender men. Transgender women reported higher Restraint and Shape Concern subscale scores compared to gender-expansive individuals. Compared to a prior study of presumed cisgender men 18–26 years, our age-matched gender-expansive sample had higher Eating, Weight, and Shape Concern subscales and Global Score, but reported a lower frequency of objective binge episodes and excessive exercise. Compared to a prior study of presumed cisgender women 18–25 years, our age-matched gender-expansive sample had a higher Shape Concern subscale score, a lower Restraint subscale score, and lower frequencies of self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, and excessive exercise.ConclusionsGender-expansive individuals reported lower Restraint and Shape Concern scores than transgender women; higher Eating, Weight, and Shape Concern scores than presumed cisgender men; and lower Restraint but higher Shape Concern scores than presumed cisgender women. These norms can help clinicians in treating this population and interpreting the EDE-Q scores of their gender-expansive patients.

What is the relationship between body mass index and eating disorder symptomatology in professional female fashion models?

Low body mass index (BMI<18/18.5) is utilized as a mandated cutoff for professional fashion model employment, based on assumptions that low BMI indicates eating disorder pathology. No previous studies have examined the association between experimenter-measured BMI and eating disorder symptomatology in professional fashion models. We measured BMI and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) responses in United Kingdom (UK) professional fashion models, and nonmodels. Characteristics were compared using robust standardized mean difference (rSMD) obtained via probability of superiority. Associations between BMI and eating disorder symptomatology were examined using robust regression, controlling for age. Models exhibited lower BMI but higher fat-percentage and muscle mass. On the EDE-Q, models had higher Restraint, Global, Eating, and Weight Concerns, and similar Shape Concern scores compared to nonmodels. BMI was positively associated with eating disorder symptoms in both groups, and all but one of the eight models with clinically significant EDE-Q level had ≥18.5 measured BMI. Lower BMI was not indicative of worse eating disorder symptomatology in models or nonmodels. Thus, using a low BMI cutoff (<18.5) may not be an appropriate single index of health for detecting elevated eating disorder symptoms in models. Different policies to protect models’ health should be considered.

Pilot trial of a group cognitive behavioural therapy program for comorbid depression and obesity

BackgroundDepression and obesity are significant global health concerns that commonly occur together. An integrated group cognitive behavioural therapy program was therefore developed to simultaneously address comorbid depression and obesity.MethodsTwenty-four participants (63% women, mean age 46 years) who screened positively for depression with a body mass index ≥25 were recruited from a self-referred general population sample. The group therapy program (10 two-hour weekly sessions) was examined in a single-arm, before-after pilot trial, conducted in a behavioural health clinic in Adelaide, Australia. Primary outcomes included survey and assessment-based analyses of depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, and weight (kg), assessed at four time-points: baseline, post-intervention, three-months and 12-months post program. Eighteen participants (75%) completed the program and all assessments.ResultsSignificant improvements in depression, anxiety, self-esteem and body shape concern scores, several quality of life domains, eating behaviours and total physical activity (among others) – but not weight – were observed over the course of the trial.ConclusionsResults from this pilot trial suggest that combining interventions for depression and obesity may be useful. Further development of the program, particularly regarding the potential for physical health benefits, and a randomised controlled trial, are warranted.Trial registrationTrial registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12617001079336, 13 July 2017. Retrospectively registered after date of the first consent (6 July 2017), but before the date of the first intervention session (20 July 2017).

Associations between ergogenic supplement use and eating behaviors among university students

ABSTRACT Ergogenic supplements to improve athletic performance are commonly used among college athletes, but little is known about their association with eating disorder symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine associations between ergogenic supplement use and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors among university students, and to compare differences by sex. Undergraduate students from 10 top-ranked National College Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I colleges completed an online survey on supplement use, athletic activities, and eating attitudes and behaviors. Among 1633 university students, males (38.9%) reported higher rates of current supplement use than females (15.2%) (p < .001). In linear regression models adjusting for athletic status and body mass index, current supplement use was associated with higher Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Global, Shape Concern, and Restraint scores in both males and females. Supplement use was associated with driven/compelled exercise (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.33–2.99) in males and diuretic (OR 6.39, 95% CI 2.02–20.22) and diet pill use (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.79–5.27) in females. Results suggest ergogenic supplement use is common in undergraduates and associated with disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Clinicians should screen for disordered eating behaviors particularly in young adults who use ergogenic supplements.

Electroencephalographic (EEG) alterations in young women with high subclinical eating pathology levels: a quantitative EEG study.

To explore electroencephalographic (EEG) alterations in young women with different eating disorder (ED) psychopathology levels. Thirty-seven young women completed general and ED psychopathology (i.e., the ED Examination Questionnaire; EDE-Q) measures. EEG power spectra data were investigated in two conditions: (a) 5 min of resting state (RS) and (b) 5 min of RS after a single taste of a milkshake (ML-RS). EEG analyses were performed using exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). Cluster analysis performed on the EDE-Q responses revealed a group of 17 women with high levels of ED pathology falling into the subclinical (i.e., sub-threshold) EDs category and a group of 20 women with low levels of ED pathology (controls). In the RS conditions, no significant modifications were observed between groups. Compared to controls, women with subclinical EDs showed an increase in theta activity in the parieto-occipital areas in the ML-RS condition. After controlling for body mass index and general psychopathology, theta activity in these brain structures was positively associated with EDE-Q global and subscale (restraint, shape and weight concern) scores. Our results may reflect the neurophysiological substrate of ED psychopathology core features like shape/weight concerns. Previous brain imaging and qEEG studies with full-syndrome ED patients also underscored the involvement of parieto-occipital areas in ED pathophysiology. These studies also found brain alterations in the RS condition, not observed here. This is notable given that full-syndrome and subclinical EDs are considered as different manifestations of the same disease along a severity spectrum. Level V, cross-sectional, electroencephalographic, descriptive study.

Culture Change and Eating Patterns: A Study of Georgian Women.

Introduction: Immigration and culture change have been thought to affect various aspects of psychological well-being, including eating behaviors. This study aimed to examine the association between immigration, acculturation strategies and eating patterns. Materials and Methods: Acculturation was conceptualized and measured by acculturation strategies of integration (maintaining original culture and adopting the new culture), assimilation (adopting the new culture and leaving behind the old), separation (sticking with the original culture only) and marginalization (maintaining/adopting neither culture). Eating patterns were conceptualized by dietary restriction, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern. Links between demographic variables, acculturation strategies, and eating patterns were also examined. Five hundred and six Georgian women took part in the study: 253 living abroad (UK and USA) and 253 living in Georgia. Measures included East Asian Acculturation Measure (EAAM) for acculturation strategies (assimilation, integration, separation, and marginalization subscales) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ) for eating patterns (dietary restriction, eating concern, weight concern, shape concern subscales, and global score). Relevant demographic variables and Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded. Results: Comparisons of immigrant and nonimmigrant groups using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) with BMI as a covariate found a difference in dietary restriction only, with immigrants yielding higher mean score than non-immigrants. The global EDEQ scores of immigrant and nonimmigrant groups were almost identical though. Correlations between separation and marginalization and four EDEQ scores were statistically significant and positive, while correlations between integration and two EDEQ subscales were marginally significant and negative. Regression analysis showed that separation and marginalization strategies of acculturation were significantly linked with EDEQ eating concern, shape concern, weight concern, and global scores thereby representing predictors of elevated eating outcomes. Discussion: Findings suggested that moving to Western countries increased dietary restriction among Georgian women. Furthermore, while living abroad, the lack of integration in a host culture, as a common denominator of separation and marginalization strategies of acculturation, may predict elevated eating, shape, and weight concerns among women relocated over six years ago. Acculturation conditions may also be linked with integration or well-being outcomes.

The impact of childhood trauma on change in depressive symptoms, eating pathology, and weight after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundHistory of childhood trauma is associated with increased risk of mental disorders, eating pathology, and obesity. ObjectiveTo examine associations between childhood trauma and changes in depressive symptoms, eating pathology, and weight after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). SettingThree U.S. academic medical centers. MethodAdults undergoing bariatric surgery (2007-2011) were enrolled in a cohort study. Participants (96 of 114; 86%) completed the Beck Depression Inventory-1 (BDI-1) to assess depressive symptomology, the interviewer-administered Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) to assess subthreshold eating pathology, weight assessment before and 6 months and annually after RYGB for ≥7 years, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) once post-RYGB. ResultsPresurgery, median age was 46 years, and median body mass index was 47 kg/m2; 79% were female. Data completeness across 7-year follow-up was 78% to 90%, 66% to 91%, and 93% to 100% for the BDI-1, EDE, and weight, respectively. Using mixed models, presence/severity of childhood emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect, but not sexual abuse or physical abuse, were significantly associated (P < .05) with change (i.e., less improvement/worsening) in the BDI-1 and EDE global scores, as were higher total CTQ score and more types of moderate-intensity trauma. All CTQ measures were associated (P < .05) with less improvement or worsening in the EDE eating concern and shape concern scores. CTQ measures were not significantly related to weight loss or regain. ConclusionsAlthough childhood trauma did not affect weight outcomes after RYGB, those who experienced childhood trauma had less improvement in depressive symptomology and eating pathology and therefore might benefit from clinical intervention.

Effect of Liposuction on Overweight/Obese Patients’ Eating Concerns, Body Shape Concerns, and Self-esteem

Obesity is a growing public health problem in Egypt, with many physical and psychological deleterious effects. Liposuction could have a positive effect on patients’ psychology. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of liposuction on overweight/obese patients’ eating concerns, body shape concerns, and self-esteem. This quasi-experimental one-group study was conducted in Bedayat private Hospital in Cairo on 70 adult patients undergoing liposuction. A self-administered questionnaire with three validated scales for eating concerns, body shape concerns, and self-esteem was utilized in data collection before and after liposuction. The fieldwork lasted from April to July 2018. The results showed that 84.3% of the patients were, with age range 23 to 58 years. There were significant decreases in the percentages of patients having dyslipidemia, from 25.7% before the liposuction to 5.7% after the liposuction (p=0.001). The scores of eating showed improvements (p<0.001), and the frequency of unhealthy eating practices decreased (p<0.001). The mean score of body shape concerns decreased from 5.1 before liposuction to 2.1 after liposuction (p<0.001), whereas the mean sores of self-esteem domains increased (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, liposuction was the only significant independent negative predictor of the eating concern and body shape concern scores, and a significant positive predictor of the self-esteem score. In conclusion, liposuction is a safe procedure that leads to significant improvements in the patients’ eating concerns, body shape concerns, and self-esteem. The procedure is recommended for those suffering from such concerns and/or having low self-esteem. Further research is proposed to examine the long-term effects of liposuction on these parameters.

Association of the 5-HT2A receptor gene promoter polymorphism-1438G/A with anorexia nervosa and psychopathological traits in the Chinese Han population: A preliminary study.

The aim of the study was to explore the possible role of the 5-HT2A -1438G/A polymorphism in the susceptibility to anorexia nervosa (AN) in the Chinese Han population. The -1438G/A polymorphism of 249 female AN patients, 228 matched healthy controls, and 198 trios was genotyped using SNaP shot assay. Psychopathological traits of eating-disordered behaviors in AN subjects were examined using the Chinese version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Neither the case-control analysis nor the transmission disequilibrium test revealed significant associations between the -1438G/A polymorphism and AN (P>.05). However, AA homozygote patients with AN had lower weight and shape concern scores of the EDE-Q6.0 than those of GA heterozygotes (P<.05). Our findings suggested that female AN patients with 5-HT2A -1438AA genotype may be characterized by less severe eating-disordered psychopathological traits in the Chinese Han population.

Functional neuroanatomy of body checking in people with anorexia nervosa

The neural correlates of body checking perceptions in eating disorders have not yet been identified. This functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging study examined the neuroanatomy involved in altered perception and identification with body checking in female with anorexia nervosa (AN). Brain activation while viewing images depicting normal weight individuals involved in either body checking behavior or a neutral (noneating disorder) body action, was compared between 20 females with AN and 15 matched healthy controls (HC). Females with AN reported higher anxiety compared to HC during the body checking task. The level of anxiety positively correlated with body shape concern scores. People with AN had less activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and right fusiform gyrus compared to HC in response to body checking compared to neutral action images. Body shape concern scores correlated negatively with medial PFC activation in AN group. This preliminary study with modest power suggests that AN patients have reduced activation in cortical areas associated with self-reference, body action perception, and social cognition in females with AN.

Resumption of menses in anorexia nervosa during a course of family-based treatment.

BackgroundThe resumption of menses (ROM) is considered an important clinical marker in weight restoration for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). The purpose of this study was to examine ROM in relation to expected body weight (EBW) and psychosocial markers in adolescents with AN.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review at The University of Chicago Eating Disorders Program from September 2001 to September 2011 (N = 225 females with AN). Eighty-four adolescents (Mean age = 15.1, SD = 2.2) with a DSM-IV diagnosis of AN, presenting with secondary amenorrhea were identified. All participants had received a course of outpatient family-based treatment (FBT), i.e., ~20 sessions over 12 months. Weight and menstrual status were tracked at each therapy session throughout treatment. The primary outcome measures were weight (percent of expected for sex, age and height), and ROM.ResultsMean percent EBW at baseline was 82.0 (SD = 6.5). ROM was reported by 67.9% of participants (57/84), on average at 94.9 (SD = 9.3) percent EBW, and after having completed an average of 13.5 (SD = 10.7) FBT sessions (~70% of standard FBT). Compared to participants without ROM by treatment completion, those with ROM had significantly higher baseline Eating Disorder Examination Global scores (p = .004) as well as Shape Concern (p < .008) and Restraint (p < .002) subscale scores. No other differences were found.ConclusionsResults suggest that ROM occur at weights close to the reference norms for percent EBW, and that high pre-treatment eating disorder psychopathology is associated with ROM. Future research will be important to better understand these differences and their implications for the treatment of adolescents with AN.

Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q): norms for US college students

To present normative data for the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, 6th edition (EDE-Q) from a large (n=2,448), diverse (56% White) sample of college students. Participants completed the EDE-Q online. Mean scores and percentile ranks for global and subscale (restraint and eating, weight, and shape concerns) scores and binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behavior (dietary restraint, self-induced vomiting, medicine misuse, excessive exercise) frequencies were computed. Women had higher global and subscale scores and tended to engage in inappropriate compensatory behaviors more often than men. Women with clinically significant restraint, and eating, shape, and weight concerns scores equaled 5.4, 2.0, 18.6, and 13.0%, respectively, and, for men, equaled 3.0, 0.3, 6.0, and 2.0%. Compared with less diverse samples, women in this study had significantly higher shape concern and lower restraint and eating concern scores and men had lower shape and weight concern scores. Normative data from this diverse sample can help healthcare professionals and researchers better interpret EDE-Q scores.

Eating disorders and illness burden in patients with bipolar spectrum disorders

Objectives The objectives of the study were to evaluate the clinical significance of lifetime eating disorder comorbidity in a well-defined sample of patients with bipolar spectrum disorders and to describe cognitive correlates of disordered eating in this group. Method Twenty-six bipolar patients with a lifetime history of a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)–defined eating disorder (n = 17) or a clinically significant subthreshold eating disorder (n = 9) (ED group) were compared with 46 bipolar patients with no history of an eating disorder (no-ED group) on demographic and clinical characteristics at study presentation, history of bipolar illness, and other psychiatric comorbidity. Measures included the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, the Clinical Global Impression–Severity Scale–Bipolar Version (CGI-S-BP), and the Eating Disorder Examination. Height and weight were recorded to calculate body mass index. Results Patients in the ED group were heavier and were rated as more symptomatic on the CGI-S-BP than were patients in the no-ED group. The ED group also had a higher number of lifetime depressive episodes and greater psychiatric comorbidity, excluding eating and mood disorders. Finally, after controlling for body mass index and CGI-S-BP rating, patients in the ED group had significantly higher Eating Disorder Examination Restraint, Eating Concern, Shape Concern, Weight Concern, and Global scores than did patients in the no-ED group. Conclusions These findings highlight the need for a renewed emphasis on the evaluation and management of weight and eating in the mood disorders. In particular, this research suggests that eating disorder comorbidity may be a marker for increased symptom load and illness burden in bipolar disorder.

Eating disorders symptoms in pregnancy: A longitudinal study of women with recent and past eating disorders and obesity

Objective To determine the impact of pregnancy on eating disorders (ED) symptoms using data from a large prospective, community-based cohort study. Methods Women (12,254) were classified according to whether they had a recent or past history of ED, were obese before pregnancy, or constituted part of the general population control group. We evaluated self-induced vomiting (SIV), laxative use, exercise behavior, and appraisals about weight gain during pregnancy, as well as dieting, and shape and weight concern before and during pregnancy. Results Women with a recent episode of ED dieted, used laxatives, reported SIV, and exercised more than other groups during pregnancy. They were also more likely to report ED cognitions in pregnancy and their weight and shape concern scores remained high during pregnancy. Women with past ED were also more likely than controls to have some ED behaviors and/or concerns about weight gain during pregnancy. Conclusions Women with a recent ED continued to have some ED symptoms in pregnancy, albeit fewer compared to before pregnancy. Although at a lower level, women with a past history of ED also had ED symptoms in pregnancy. Screening for ED symptoms during pregnancy may provide a useful opportunity for engagement in treatment and to reduce behaviors that might be detrimental to the foetus.

A Prospective Study of Body Dissatisfaction and Concerns in Extremely Obese Gastric Bypass Patients: 6- and 12-Month Postoperative Outcomes

Body image is a multifaceted construct commonly associated with obesity. This study examined changes in body dissatisfaction, and shape and weight concerns in bariatric surgery patients from baseline to 6 and 12 months post-surgery. 109 extremely obese patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery completed the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and the Shape and Weight Concern subscales of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) at baseline, and 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Patients experienced substantial weight loss and reported statistically significant reductions in BSQ, and Shape and Weight Concern scores from baseline to 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Improvements on the BSQ and Shape Concern scale were maintained between 6 and 12 months post-surgery, while patients reported continued reductions in weight and Weight Concern scale scores. Moreover, at 6 and 12 months follow-up, over 80% of female patients had body image scores comparable to published norms. Correlations between change in BMI and the body image measures were variable, and degree of weight loss did not predict body image scores 6 or 12 months post-surgery. Results from the present study illustrate significant and immediate post-surgical reductions in body dissatisfaction and concerns, along with weight loss in bariatric patients. Such improvements indicate a normalization of body image-related concerns in these patients, the majority of who remain overweight or obese despite the substantial post-surgical weight losses. Changes in weight and body image relate poorly to each other, suggesting that mediating factors may be involved.

Psychopathological traits and 5-HT 2A receptor promoter polymorphism (−1438 G/A) in patients suffering from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Various studies have evaluated the possible role of the −1438 G/A polymorphism within the 5-HT 2A receptor gene in the susceptibility to Eating Disorders (EDs). One hundred and forty-eight ED patients (EDp) and 89 control subjects were interviewed by means of the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and analyzed for distribution of the −1438 G/A polymorphism. Patients with the AA genotype suffering from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa showed higher Weight and Shape Concern ( P=0.003 and P=0.010, respectively) scores and greater overall severity of the ED psychopathology (EDE total score) ( P=0.012). The obtained preliminary data suggest the use of dimensional psychopathological measures in ED genetic studies.

Effects of bariatric surgery on binge eating and related psychopathology.

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) were administered to 50 morbidly obese patients before and after gastric bypass surgery. Subjects were classified as non-binge or binge eaters prior to surgery. Though the two groups differed markedly before operation, they were largely indistinguishable 4 months afterward. All binge eating had ceased and mood had improved markedly. TFEQ Restraint scores increased, and Disinhibition and Hunger scores decreased. EDE Eating Concern, Shape Concern, and Weight Concern scores dropped. EDE Restraint scores decreased in non-binge eaters and increased in binge eaters. The overall findings indicate that gastric bypass surgery had a positive short-term impact on non-binge and binge eaters alike.