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Raffoul A, Santoso M, Lu J, Duran V, Austin SB. Diet pills and deception: A content analysis of weight-loss, muscle-building, and cleanse and detox supplements videos on TikTok. Eat Behav 2024; 55:101911. [PMID: 39182366 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2024.101911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The promotion of harmful dieting-related products, including weight-loss, muscle-building, and cleanse/detox supplements, is pervasive across TikTok. Use of these products has been associated with eating pathology, and in some instances, increased risk of an eating disorder diagnosis. To inform eating disorders prevention and public health intervention, a content analysis was conducted to analyze the promotional features of the most viewed videos as of June 2022 in the U.S. across popular dieting product-related hashtags (#dietpills, #preworkout, #detox) (N = 233 videos). Investigators watched and coded videos using a codebook that captured details about featured individuals, product claims and details, and other video elements (e.g., language, use of popular music). Descriptive statistics were obtained to analyze trends within and across product hashtags. A total of 78 #dietpills, 86 #preworkout, and 69 #detox videos met study criteria. Videos promoting weight-loss and cleanse/detox products overwhelmingly featured feminine-presenting (70.5 % and 71 %, respectively) and thin (35.9 % and 44.9 %) individuals, while #preworkout video subjects were mostly masculine-presenting (73.3 %) and muscular (61.6 %). Most did not disclose their credentials (93.6 %) nor identify whether the promotion of the product was sponsored by the retailer (95.7 %). The vast majority of videos (97 %) did not provide any scientific evidence to support health- and appearance-related claims. The most popular videos promoting dieting-related supplements on TikTok overwhelmingly make unsubstantiated health claims, posing substantial risks for social media users who are vulnerable to their usage and associated health risks, including engagement in disordered eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Raffoul
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Monique Santoso
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Junjie Lu
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Valeria Duran
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Gordon K, Matthews A, Zeller MH, Lin J. Practical guidelines for eating disorder risk mitigation in patients undergoing obesity treatment for the pediatric provider. Curr Opin Pediatr 2024; 36:367-374. [PMID: 38655793 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW 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 FINDINGS 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. SUMMARY 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Gordon
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Abigail Matthews
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Meg H Zeller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica Lin
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Hasan NN, Ahmed BM, Mehammed-Ameen OH, Hama Rash MQ. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Eating Disorders Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Kirkuk, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e64247. [PMID: 39130850 PMCID: PMC11313745 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Eating disorders (EDs) are significant health hazards among university students because of various stressors and lifestyle changes. Therefore, in this study, we examine the prevalence of EDs among undergraduate students at the University of Kirkuk and explore the relationships between EDs and sociodemographic factors. Methods The research employed a cross-sectional design and took place from June 3, 2023, to April 30, 2024. The Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), a standardized survey, was used to collect data on participants' eating attitudes and sociodemographic information. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests. Results The overall sample comprised 513 individuals aged 18 to 30 years. The findings indicated that 25.7% of the participants were prone to developing EDs. The results revealed significant differences in ED scores between those who engaged in self-starvation for weight loss, daily weight monitoring, or experienced weight-based bullying (p < 0.001). Moreover, this study found that BMI has a positive correlation with the dieting and oral control subscales (p < 0.05), and it also has a positive correlation with the total EAT-26 score (p < 0.01). Interestingly, the dieting subscale negatively correlates with age, while the EAT-26 total score negatively correlates with both students' academic stage and satisfaction with their field of study. Conclusions Based on the EAT-26 assessment, a quarter of the students were at risk of developing EDs. The data also show that BMI is positively associated with the risk of EDs. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems within universities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashwan N Hasan
- Community Health, Kirkuk University College of Nursing, Kirkuk, IRQ
| | - Bestoon M Ahmed
- Maternal and Neonatal Health, Kirkuk University College of Nursing, Kirkuk, IRQ
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Plichta M, Kowalkowska J. Orthorexic tendency and its association with weight control methods and dietary variety in Polish adults: a cross-sectional study. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1355871. [PMID: 38711530 PMCID: PMC11073497 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1355871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The methods for controlling weight play a central role in formally diagnosed eating disorders (EDs) and appear to be important in the context of other nonformally recognized disorders, such as orthorexia nervosa (ON). These methods also have an impact on eating behaviors, including dietary variety. Our study aimed to: (i) assess the intensity of ON tendency by sex and BMI groups, (ii) evaluate the associations between ON tendency, weight control methods, and dietary variety, and (iii) determine the extent to which weight control methods and dietary variety contribute to the ON tendency among both females and males. Data were gathered from a sample of 936 Polish adults (463 females and 473 males) through a cross-sectional quantitative study conducted in 2019. Participants were requested to complete the ORTO-6, the Weight Control Methods Scale, and the Food Intake Variety Questionnaire (FIVeQ). Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate associations between ON tendency, weight control methods, and dietary variety. Females exhibited a higher ON tendency than males (14.4 ± 3.4 vs. 13.5 ± 3.7, p < 0.001, d = 0.25). In the regression model, the higher ON tendency was predicted by more frequent use of weight control methods, such as restricting the amount of food consumed, using laxatives, and physical exercise among both females and males as well as following a starvation diet in females, and drinking teas to aid bowel movements among males. Moreover, the higher ON tendency was predicted by higher dietary variety, lower age in both sexes, and higher level of education among males. However, there were no differences in ON tendency across BMI groups. In conclusion, the findings showed that ON tendency was predicted by a higher frequency of weight control methods commonly used by individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). The resemblance to these two EDs is also suggested by the higher intensity of ON tendency among females and younger people. However, the prediction of ON tendency by dietary variety indicates that the obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating may not be advanced enough to observe a decrease in the dietary variety among these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Plichta
- Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW-WULS), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalkowska
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Food Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
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Thai TTH, Le HND, Mihalopoulos C, Austin SB, Le LKD. Economic costs associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors among Australian adolescents. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:341-352. [PMID: 38054343 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the relationship between unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) and their associated economic costs among adolescents using the 2014-2018 Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). METHODS LSAC data in Wave 6 (n = 3538 adolescents aged 14-15 years), Wave 7 n = 3089 adolescents aged 16-17 years), and Wave 8 (n = 3037 adolescents aged 18-19 years) were derived from a representative sample of Australian adolescents. UWCBs were measured using the self-reported Branched Eating Disorder Test questionnaire. UWCBs were sub-classified into having fasting behaviors, using weight loss supplements or purging behaviors. Economic costs include healthcare and productivity costs to caregivers. Healthcare costs were measured using data from the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits, which includes both medical and pharmaceutical costs. Productivity losses were measured using caregivers' lost leisure time due to UWCBs among adolescents. RESULTS The mixed effect model identified statistically significant higher economic costs (mean difference = $453, 95% CIs $154, $752), higher health care costs (mean difference = $399, 95% CIs $102, $695), and higher productivity costs (mean difference = $59, 95% CIs $29, $90) for adolescents with UWCBs compared to their peers with no UWCBs. Subgroup analysis revealed that higher costs were associated with fasting and purging behaviors. DISCUSSION UWCBs were associated with increased economic costs during adolescence. Our finding suggests there should be a policy focus on tackling UWCBs to reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system and society. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE The study contributes to existing knowledge by investigating the direct healthcare costs and productivity losses associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors in Australian adolescents (14-18 years old) using a dataset that follows Australian adolescents over time. We found that engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors such as fasting, using weight loss supplements, and purging was linked to higher costs among adolescents, suggesting policies should focus on addressing these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao T H Thai
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ha N D Le
- Institute of Health Transformation, Deakin Health Economics, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Cathrine Mihalopoulos
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Long Khanh-Dao Le
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Okoya FT, Santoso M, Raffoul A, Atallah MA, Bryn Austin S. Weak regulations threaten the safety of consumers from harmful weight-loss supplements globally: results from a pilot global policy scan. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1917-1924. [PMID: 37132256 PMCID: PMC10478046 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023000708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To pilot a global policy scan assessing how governments worldwide regulate weight-loss supplements (WLS). DESIGN Experts on WLS policies from thirty countries that varied by World Bank income classification, with five from each of the six WHO regions, completed an online survey on WLS regulation in their country. The survey covered six domains: legal frameworks; pre-market requirements; claims, labelling, and advertisements; product availability; adverse events reporting; and monitoring and enforcement. Percentages were calculated for presence or absence of a type of regulation. SETTING Experts were recruited through websites of regulatory bodies and professional LinkedIn networks and scientific article searches on Google Scholar. PARTICIPANTS Thirty experts, one from each country (i.e. researchers, regulators, other experts in food and drug regulation). RESULTS WLS regulations varied widely across countries, and a number of gaps were identified. One country (Nigeria) has a minimum legal age to purchase WLS. Thirteen countries reported independently evaluating the safety of a new WLS product sample. Two countries have limitations on where WLS can be sold. In eleven countries, reports on adverse events related to WLS are publicly available. In eighteen countries, safety of new WLS is to be established through scientific criteria. Penalties for WLS non-compliance with pre-market regulations exist in twelve countries and labelling requirements in sixteen countries. CONCLUSIONS Results of this pilot study document wide variability in national WLS regulations globally, exposing many gaps in important components of consumer protection regulatory frameworks for WLS, which likely put consumer health at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funmbi T Okoya
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Monique Santoso
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115, USA
| | - Amanda Raffoul
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maya Azar Atallah
- Department of Rehabilitation & Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, England
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Tschampl CA, Lee MR, Raffoul A, Santoso M, Austin SB. Economic Value of Initial Implementation Activities for Proposed Ban on Sales of Over-The-Counter Diet Pills and Muscle-Building Supplements to Minors. AJPM FOCUS 2023; 2:100103. [PMID: 37790657 PMCID: PMC10546557 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Over-the-counter diet pills, weight-loss supplements, and muscle-building supplements often contain harmful ingredients and are associated with eating disorder diagnoses and other negative health outcomes. This study estimated the value of state initial implementation activities, for example, regulation development, to implement a ban on the sale of dangerous over-the-counter diet pills and muscle-building supplements to minors. Methods We enumerated minimum, best, and maximum values for 22 inputs among 11 activities state employees may undertake if the legislation were signed into law. For employment costs, we estimated staff hours on the basis of data from 10 key informants and obtained salary ranges from a state government website. Data were collected and analyzed between September 2021 and January 2022. We calculated 95% CIs using 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations that varied inputs simultaneously and probabilistically. We conducted two sensitivity analyses using all minimum and all maximum salaries. Results The estimated value of state start-up activities was $47,536 (95% CI=$36,831-$57,381). Inputs with the largest impact on this estimate corresponded to combinations of the highest salary and greatest hours per task. Conclusions The state's one-time opportunity cost to initiate this age-restriction policy would be minimal considering potential health gains. Sensitivity analyses did not change the conclusion, especially if the state produces subregulations linked to existing law rather than new regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A. Tschampl
- The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Mary R. Lee
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amanda Raffoul
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Monique Santoso
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - S. Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Hewlings SJ. Eating Disorders and Dietary Supplements: A Review of the Science. Nutrients 2023; 15:2076. [PMID: 37432190 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Disordered eating is a serious health concern globally. The etiology is complex and multidimensional and differs somewhat for each specific eating disorder. Several risk factors have been identified which include psychological, genetic, biochemical, environmental, and sociocultural factors. Poor body image, low self-esteem, teasing, family dynamics, and exposure to media images have also been identified as risk factors. While it is enticing to consider a single behavioral risk factor, doing so fails to consider the documented environmental, social, psychological, biological, and cultural factors that contribute to the development of an eating disorder in a multidimensional and complex integration that is undoubtedly unique to everyone. Focusing only on any one factor without taking the complex etiology into account is remiss. For example, it has been suggested that the use of dietary supplements may lead to eating disorders, despite a lack of evidence to support this conjecture. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine the evidence-based risk factors for eating disorders and discuss why connecting dietary supplements to eating disorder etiology is not supported by the scientific literature and may interfere with treatment. Established, effective prevention and treatment approaches for eating disorders should be the focus of public health initiatives in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Hewlings
- Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services, Inc., Guelph, ON N1G 0B4, Canada
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Van Dyne A, Washington N, Villodas M, Cronan T. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Weight Loss Behaviors Among US College Students. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:857-873. [PMID: 36960414 PMCID: PMC10028297 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s395357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Weight loss behaviors are prevalent among college students and are associated with adverse physical and psychological outcomes, such as an elevated risk of developing an eating disorder. While cross-ethnic differences have been reported, no consistent pattern has emerged. The purpose of this study was to examine racial and ethnic differences in weight loss behaviors among female and male college students. Patients and Methods The American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II-C survey data from the collection periods from 2015 to 2019 was used. A total of 426,425 students participated in the survey. Most participants were White (60%) and female (68.5%). Information on students' age, body mass index (BMI), and self-rated health was also collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine cross-ethnic differences in weight loss methods among female and male students. Results Students' weight loss behaviors were assessed and included dieting, exercising, vomiting or taking laxatives, and the use of diet pills in the past 30 days. More than half of the participants attempted to lose weight through exercise (53.5%), and 40.3% of students dieted to lose weight in the past month. Purging and the use of diet pills were endorsed by 2.9% and 2.8% of the participants, respectively. With few exceptions, male students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to engage in extreme weight control practices (ie, vomiting or taking laxatives, taking diet pills) than White male students, while female students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds were less likely to use diet and exercise as weight loss methods than White female students. For all outcomes, Biracial/Multiracial and Hispanic/Latino male students were more likely to attempt weight loss than White male students. Biracial/Multiracial female students more frequently endorsed extreme weight control behaviors than White female students. Conclusion The results of the present study add to the growing body of literature on the relationship between race and ethnicity and weight loss behaviors. The findings indicate the need for tailored educational and intervention programs on college campuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Van Dyne
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Washington
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Miguel Villodas
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Terry Cronan
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Terry Cronan, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-4611, USA, Tel +1619 594-6915, Fax +1619 594-1247, Email
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Long MW, Ward ZJ, Wright DR, Rodriguez P, Tefft NW, Austin SB. Cost-Effectiveness of 5 Public Health Approaches to Prevent Eating Disorders. Am J Prev Med 2022; 63:935-943. [PMID: 36109308 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Eating disorders cause suffering and a high risk of death. Accelerating the translation of research into implementation will require intervention cost-effectiveness estimates. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of 5 public health approaches to preventing eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. METHODS Using data from 2001 to 2017, the authors developed a microsimulation model of a closed cohort starting at the age of 10 years and ending at 40 years. In 2021, an analysis was conducted of 5 primary and secondary prevention strategies for eating disorders: school-based screening, primary care‒based screening, school-based universal prevention, excise tax on over-the-counter diet pills, and restriction on youth purchase of over-the-counter diet pills. The authors estimated the reduction in years lived with eating disorders and the increase in quality-adjusted life-years. Intervention costs and net monetary benefit were estimated using a threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life year. RESULTS All the 5 interventions were estimated to be cost-saving compared with the current practice. Discounted per person cost savings (over the 30-year analytic time horizon) ranged from $63 (clinic screening) to $1,102 (school-based universal prevention). Excluding caregiver costs for binge eating disorder and otherwise specified feeding and eating disorders substantially reduced cost savings (e.g., from $1,102 to $149 for the school-based intervention). CONCLUSIONS A range of public health strategies to reduce the societal burden of eating disorders are likely cost saving. Universal prevention interventions that promote healthy nutrition, physical activity, and media use behaviors without introducing weight stigma may prevent additional negative health outcomes, such as excess weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Long
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia.
| | - Zachary J Ward
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Davene R Wright
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patricia Rodriguez
- Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - S Bryn Austin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Roberts SR, Maheux AJ, Watson RJ, Puhl RM, Choukas-Bradley S. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents' disordered eating: Exploring general and SGM-specific factors. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:933-946. [PMID: 35532063 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents disproportionately report disordered eating, yet have primarily been considered under a larger SGM umbrella. The current study 1) compared disordered eating between sexual minority (SM) and gender minority (GM) adolescents; 2) examined how general psychological factors (self-esteem, depression, and stress) and SGM-specific factors (e.g., feelings about SGM identity, access to SGM resources) were associated with disordered eating; and 3) examined whether associations between these factors differed for SM versus GM adolescents. METHOD SGM adolescents in the U.S. (N = 8814; 35.0% GM; 43.7% cisgender girls; 66.9% White; Mage = 15.6) reported their disordered eating, depressive symptoms, stress, self-esteem, and SGM-related experiences on an anonymous, cross-sectional online survey. RESULTS GM adolescents exhibited a higher prevalence of clinical threshold disordered eating than SM adolescents. Self-esteem was associated with lower odds of caloric restriction, purging, and binge eating. Depression was associated with higher odds of caloric restriction, diet pill use, purging, laxatives, and binge eating. Stress was associated with higher odds of purging. Associations were stronger for GM adolescents' caloric restriction. Positive feelings about SGM identity were associated with lower odds of caloric restriction, purging, and binge eating, whereas greater stress of "coming out" was associated with higher odds of caloric restriction, purging, and binge eating. DISCUSSION These results suggest that SGM adolescents' disordered eating is associated with both general psychological factors and unique SGM experiences. Results highlight the importance of considering how the unique experiences of SGM youth may leave them vulnerable to disordered eating behaviors. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are disproportionately affected by disordered eating. The current study found that higher depression and stress, and lower self-esteem, were associated with SGM adolescents' disordered eating. Furthermore, unique SGM experiences, such as stress about coming out, were also associated with eating pathology. Results highlight the importance of considering SGM adolescents' perceptions of their identity and social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah R Roberts
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Anne J Maheux
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rebecca M Puhl
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sophia Choukas-Bradley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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12
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Levine MP. Prevention of eating disorders: 2021 in review. Eat Disord 2022; 30:121-143. [PMID: 35167430 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2022.2030882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This review of 19 prevention-related publications in Eating Disorders during 2021 is framed by four models: (1) Mental Health Intervention Spectrum: health promotion → types of prevention → case identification/referral → treatment; (2) the prevention cycle: rationale and theory, shaped by critical reviews → clarifying risk and protective factors → program innovation and feasibility studies → efficacy and effectiveness research → program dissemination; (3) links between disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (EDs); and (4) Kraemer and Jacobi's criteria for variable, causal risk factors (RFs). Twelve articles demonstrated the strengths and limitations of cross-sectional investigations of RFs for DE and EDs: five explored the role of trauma in activating genetic and psychological RFs (e.g., anxiety and experiential avoidance), while five suggest other variables meriting further evaluation: ergogenic supplement use, "feeling fat," internalized weight bias, food insecurity, and compulsive exercising. One article presents a pilot program that reduced risk factors in a high-risk group: professional ballerinas. Implications of the absence of efficacy, effectiveness, dissemination, and advocacy studies, along with the need to develop tailored programs for various high-risk groups, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Levine
- Department of Psychology (emeritus), Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, USA
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