Eating disorders in adolescent and young adult males: prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment strategies

Gender stereotypes in eating disorder recognition

PURPOSE

Eating disorder (ED) awareness is low. We assessed if ED symptom recognition, perceived need for treatment, perceived distress, perceived acceptability, and perceived prevalence differed depending on the gender of the individual with the ED.

METHODS

276 community participants were randomly assigned to one of three gender conditions (female, male, and non-binary), read three vignettes describing three different individuals with ED symptoms [anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED)], and then answered a series of questions related to participants ED symptom recognition, perceived need for treatment, perceived distress associated with having ED symptoms, perceived acceptability (e.g., the extent to which it may not be too bad to have an ED), and perceived prevalence. Mixed ANOVAs and chi-square analyses were conducted to examine differences between groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant main effects of gender condition across the outcome variables. There were main effects of ED type for problem recognition, perceived need for treatment, perceived level of distress, and perceived prevalence, with participants being more likely to recognize a problem in the AN and BN vignettes than the BED vignettes, refer for treatment and rate a higher perceived level of distress in then AN vignette than the BN and BED vignettes, and perceive a higher prevalence rate in the BN vignette than the AN vignette. There was a significant gender by condition interaction for perceived prevalence, with participants rating a higher prevalence of AN in women and non-binary individuals than men and a higher prevalence of BN in women than non-binary individuals and men.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the importance of education on EDs and awareness that EDs can occur in any individual, regardless of their gender identification.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, experimental study with randomization.

Male eating disorders in midlife-possible links between excessive sports and hormones

Although eating disorders were long considered a typical female disorder, it is now clear that men are also affected. However, the literature on eating disorders in men is still very limited, and the actual extent is not known. Even less is known about the epidemiology of eating disorders in older individuals. In this focused review, we will present an update of the available data on disordered eating and eating disorders in middle-aged and older males. In addition, we will highlight the relationship of eating disorders with excessive sports as a purging method of choice for this age group and discuss the impact of age-related hormonal imbalances in aging men.

Estimated prevalence of DSM-5 eating disorders in Norwegian adolescents: A community based two-phase study

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about the prevalence of DSM-5 eating disorders (EDs) in adolescents. In Norway, the most recent community-based prevalence study in adolescents was published more than 20 years ago. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of DSM-5 EDs in Norwegian adolescents using a two-phase design.

METHOD

A total of 1558 upper secondary school students (827 girls and 730 boys) (ages 16-19) were screened for at-risk ED pathology using the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire short version (EDE-QS). A sub-sample of 99 adolescents (87 girls and 12 boys) subsequently participated in a clinical interview using the Eating Disorder Assessment for DSM-5 (EDA-5).

RESULTS

Eating pathology was common, with 19.9% of participants scoring at or above the applied EDE-QS cut-off. The estimated prevalence of any ED was 9.4% in the total sample, and 16.4% in girls. The number of boys who took part in the diagnostic interview was low, thus, diagnostic data from boys were not analyzed separately. Prevalence estimates of AN, BN, BED, and OSFED in girls were 2.7%, 1.1%, 1.9%, and 10.7%. Atypical AN was the most frequently assigned diagnosis in girls.

DISCUSSION

Sampling biases limit generalizability of results. Additional population-based studies are warranted to assess the prevalence of EDs in Norwegian youth.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

In this study, 1558 adolescents, aged 16-19, were screened for ED pathology. A subsample completed a diagnostic interview using DSM-5 criteria. Results showed that one in five adolescents displayed problematic eating behaviors and cognitions. The estimated prevalence rate of any ED was 9.4%. Sampling biases limit generalizability of results. Additional population-based studies are warranted to assess the prevalence of EDs in Norwegian youth.

The social epidemiology of binge-eating disorder and behaviors in early adolescents

BACKGROUND

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder phenotype and is linked to several negative health outcomes. Yet, little is known about the social epidemiology of BED, particularly in early adolescence. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and BED and binge-eating behaviors in a large, national cohort of 10-14-year-old adolescents in the United States (U.S.) METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of two-year follow-up data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (2018 - 2020) that included 10,197 early adolescents (10 - 14 years, mean 12 years) in the U.S. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and BED and binge-eating behaviors, defined based on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia.

RESULTS

In this early adolescent sample (48.8% female, 54.0% White, 19.8% Latino/Hispanic, 16.1% Black, 5.4% Asian, 3.2% Native American, 1.5% Other), the prevalence of BED and binge-eating behaviors were 1.0% and 6.3%, respectively. Identifying as gay or bisexual (compared to heterosexual; adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.25, 95% CI 1.01-5.01) and having a household income of less than $75,000 (AOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.21-3.46) were associated with greater odds of BED. Being male (AOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.55), of Native American (AOR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.01-2.55) descent, having a household income less than $75,000 (AOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08-1.65), or identifying as gay or bisexual (AOR for 'Yes' Response: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.31-2.91 and AOR for 'Maybe' Response: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.19-2.76) were all associated with higher odds of binge-eating behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Several sociodemographic variables showed significant associations with binge-eating behaviors, which can inform targeted screening, prevention, and education campaigns for BED among early adolescents.

Psychological features in male and female adolescents with eating disorders: is it the same condition?

PURPOSE

Eating disorders (EDs) are psychiatric disorders with a typical prevalence in adolescence. EDs have long been wrongly considered female gender-bound disorders, resulting in a systematic underrepresentation of males in EDs research. The main goal of the present study is exploring the clinical and psychological characteristics of adolescent males with EDs in comparison with females.

METHODS

In this observational and retrospective study, 14 males and 28 females hospitalized for eating disorders during the adolescent age (from 12 to 17.11 years) were recruited. Main clinical data (age, BMI, duration of illness), behavioural characteristic of the disorder (over-exercising, self-harm, purging-behaviours) and psychological symptoms (Eating Disorders Inventory-3rd edition-EDI-3, Symptom Checklist-90-Revised-SCL-90, Children's Global Assessment Scale-C-GAS) were collected and examined for significant correlations with severity of body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

Adolescent males show a peculiar and more severe psychopathological profiles partially influenced by BMI and characterized by purging-behaviours, over-exercising, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, anxiety, and psychoticism.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a gender-specific profile of adolescent males with EDs, which may be considered in diagnosis and treatment.

LEVEL III

Evidence obtained from retrospective well-designed case-control study.

Stigmatization of binge eating disorder in men: Implicit associations with weight status and femininity

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders are highly stigmatized, but stigma against binge eating disorder (BED) specifically is relatively understudied, especially in men. We compared perceptions of a male target with BED to one with alcohol use disorder (AUD), which shares the key characteristic of subjective loss of control over consumption. We also investigated how participants' eating and alcohol use behaviors and attitudes towards psychotherapy influence perceptions of these disorders.

METHODS

Participants (n = 402) viewed vignettes describing a male target engaged in excess alcohol use or binge eating and rated the target on various attributes and as being responsible for or in control of their behavior and suffering from an addiction warranting treatment. Participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Binge Eating Scale, and questions about attitudes towards and experience with psychological treatment.

RESULTS

The BED target was rated as significantly less "thin," more "overweight" and "obese", and higher on several positive attributes and traits traditionally associated with femininity; the AUD target was thought more likely to be suffering from an addiction and in need of psychological treatment (all p < .05), with no differences between targets in ratings of responsibility for or control over the problematic behavior. Ratings were unrelated to participants' attitudes towards or experience with psychological treatment and personal alcohol consumption or binge eating behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

BED in men appears less stigmatized than AUD but is implicitly associated with weight status and femininity, which may increase reluctance to seek treatment. Both AUD and BED were generally recognized as pathological and warranting intervention.

A Qualitative Study on Young Men's Experiences of Intentional Weight-Gain

This qualitative study investigated how young men perceive their body image and experiences of purposively gaining weight, and what these reveal about broader sociocultural meanings around food, consumption and male body image. The participants in this study were a subsample of men participating in the 'GlasVEGAS' study which examined the effect of weight-gain and weight loss on metabolism, fitness and disease risk in young adult men. Twenty-three qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen men (mean age 23 years) at GlasVEGAS baseline (n = 10) and weight-gain (6-week) follow-up assessment (n = 13). Data were analysed using the principles of framework analysis. The majority of men viewed the foods provided as part of the GlasVEGAS study as 'luxury' items despite their being of low nutritional value. The weight-gain process prompted men to reflect on how cultural norms and social environments may amplify overeating. Several described being surprised at how quickly they assimilated unhealthy eating habits and/or gained weight. Some valued changes in their appearance associated with weight-gain, including appearing larger or having increased muscle size. These factors are vital to consider when developing weight management initiatives targeting young men, including the valorisation of unhealthy foods, wider social influences on diet and male body image ideals.

Validation of a new screening questionnaire for disordered eating behaviors in men

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to develop an instrument to identify disordered eating behaviors (DEB) in college men (hereafter, DEBM-Q).

METHODS

A two-stage project consisting of a diagnostic scale construction (n₁ = 9 for interviews, n₂ = 9 for cognitive laboratory) and a validation study with a cross-sectional sample (N = 570) was carried out. Both semi-structured interviews and a cognitive laboratory with nine participants were conducted to obtain DEBM-Q items. DEBM-Q was applied to 570 freshmen male in Mexico City. Psychometric characteristics and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) were analyzed. An item-total correlation value greater than 0.30 was determined, and factor loads greater than 0.40 were considered valid. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA, n₁ = 297) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, n₂ = 273) were performed.

RESULTS

Two fixed factors explaining 55.08% of the total variance were extracted. Factor 1, "Drive for Thinness" (8 items), explained 30.84% of the variance, whereas factor 2, "Drive for Muscularity" (8 items), explained 24.23% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha for the whole questionnaire was 0.84. DEBM-Q was correlated with the Dutch Food Restriction Scale (RS) (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), Emotional Eating Scale (EES) (r = 0.18, p < 0.001), and Negative Affect Subscale (PANAS-X) (r = 0.11, p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

DEBM-Q is a valid and practical short screening tool (16 items) allowing early identification of disordered eating in young men, thereby facilitating clinical management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V: Opinions of authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.

Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescent Males: A Peculiar Psychopathological Profile

(1) Background: Eating Disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric disorders with high rates of mortality, multiple medical and psychiatric comorbidities associated, and often chronic illness. Historically, EDs are among the most gendered of psychiatric illnesses, and male presentations have been perceived as rare and unusual. This perception resulted in the systematic underrepresentation of males in research on Eds, and as consequence, in a scarcity of research investigating clinical and psychological features in this population. (2) Methods: The present study aims to evaluate clinical and psychopathological features in a sample of 287 children and adolescents, 27 males and 260 females with EDs, in order to identify similarities and differences. (3) Results: Males were younger than females, with similar medical and clinical conditions, but a different distribution of typology of EDs in middle childhood and middle adolescents. The Eating Disorders Inventory-3, TAS-20 for alexithymia and CDI for depressive symptoms' profiles are similar, while males showed higher scores at the global indexes of Symptom Checklist 90-Revised test in early adolescence. (4) Conclusions: Results suggest gender-specific similarities and differences in clinical and psychological features in children and adolescent males, which may require specific diagnosis and treatment.

Comparison of eating disorders symptoms and body image between individual and team sport adolescent athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the routines of school sports for adolescent athletes, which can affect their usual eating behaviors and body image. Specific pressures of individual sports (which tend to emphasize "leanness" as a means to improving performance), versus team sports (which tend to not require "leanness" for an athlete to be competitive), may further increase the risk of disordered eating (DE), eating disorders (ED), and distorted body image. An additional factor to consider is the gender of the athletes, with participation in "lean" sports associated with increased DE and body dissatisfaction for male, but not female, athletes.

METHODS

Participants of the study included 124 Iranian male adolescent athletes residing in Mazandaran province (one of the most affected areas of Iran during COVID-19), who played in 1 of 6 sports (3 individual, 3 team). ED symptoms were assessed by the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and body image was assessed by the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA).

RESULTS

The individual athlete group (n = 62) had significantly higher EAT-26 subscale scores for Bulimia and Food Preoccupation (p = 0.019), as well as significantly higher BESAA subscale scores for Appearance (p = 0.001), Weight (p = 0.001), and Attribution (p = 0.001), compared to the team athlete group (n = 62). However, there were no significant differences between the two athlete groups on the EAT-26 Dieting and Oral Control subscales.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 presents specialized issues for adolescent athletes, particularly those at risk for, or experiencing, DE, ED, and distorted body image. While individual athletes had significantly higher scores than team athletes on most subscales, there were no differences between groups on subscales of dieting and oral control. Overall, the findings highlight the need for sport psychologists, coaches, and other sports professionals working with male adolescent athletes (individual and team) to monitor DE, ED, and distorted body image during COVID-19, in order to provide early intervention, and mitigate the risk of long-term consequences. COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the routines of school sports for adolescent athletes, which can affect their usual eating behaviors and body image. Specific pressures of individual sports (which tend to emphasize "leanness" as a means to improving performance), versus team sports (which tend to not require "leanness" for an athlete to be competitive), may further increase the risk of disordered eating (DE), eating disorders (ED), and distorted body image. An additional factor to consider is the gender of the athletes, with participation in "lean" sports associated with increased DE and body dissatisfaction for male, but not female, athletes. Participants of the study included 124 Iranian male adolescent athletes in Mazandaran province (one of the most affected areas of Iran during COVID-19), who played in 1 of 6 sports (3 individual, 3 team). The individual athlete group (62 participants) had significantly higher scores on measures of ED (Bulimia, Food Preoccupation), and body image (Appearance, Weight, Attribution), versus the team athlete group (62 participants). However, there were no significant differences between groups on other measures of ED (Dieting, Oral Control). Findings highlight the need for sport professionals working with adolescent athletes to monitor DE and body image during COVID-19 for early intervention.

Men have eating disorders too: an analysis of online narratives posted by men with eating disorders on YouTube

Eating Disorders (ED) among men are still surrounded by stigma and gender stereotypes, with a common misconception that ED are an exclusively female condition. This study employed a gender-sensitive approach to uncover males' critical needs for effective treatment and recovery. We qualitatively analyzed a sample of twenty-five videos posted on YouTube by men with ED, presenting personal stories of recovery and recovery in-progress. Through thematic analysis of the narratives, we identified three common factors increasing disordered eating behaviors in men: 1) bullying, 2) drive for muscularity, and 3) self-regulation. In addition, we found three major themes related to barriers preventing men from help-seeking: 1) shame and stigma, 2) lack of knowledge and information, and 3) low level of perceived doctor-patient communication. The findings of this study can contribute to the conceptualization of future interventions and recovery programs designed to prevent and treat ED in men.

Potential Triggers for Risking the Development of Eating Disorders in Non-Clinical Higher-Education Students in Emerging Adulthood

Nowadays, eating disorders (ED) among individuals during emerging adulthood have become a crucial challenge to public health, taking into account the fact that the global prevalence of the ED risk in student-aged populations already stands at 10.4% and has been sharply increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In all, from 50% to 80% of all the ED cases go undetected or are not correctly diagnosed; moreover, these individuals do not receive specialized treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis detected via screening questionnaires for ED is highly recommended. This study aimed to identify the triggers for ED risk development in emerging-adulthood individuals and to reveal the factors significant not only for ED prevention but also for assessing individuals with subthreshold symptoms. This cross-sectional study provides the results for the ED symptom screening in 1716 Lithuanian higher-education students aged 21.2 ± 3.9, during emerging adulthood. According to the results of this study, 19.2% of students were at risk for ED. Potential risk factors such as sex (odds ratio (OR): 3.1, 95% CI: 1.9–4.9), body weight (self-reported body mass index) (adjusted (A) OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2–1.7) and comorbidities such as smoking (AOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6–2.8), and perceived stress during the pandemic (AOR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.8) are involved in anticipating the symptomatology of ED during emerging adulthood. Regular initial screenings with universally adopted questionnaires and further referral to a psychiatrist must be applied to promote both the diagnosis of early-onset symptomatology and the treatment of these ED in student-aged populations. Preventive programs for reducing the prevalence of overweight or obesity among students during emerging adulthood should focus on integration directions for the development of a positive body image.

Examination of Self-Esteem, Body Image, Eating Attitudes and Cardiorespiratory Performance in Adolescents

Self-esteem, body image and eating attitudes are important characteristics regarding adolescent mental health. In our present work, we aimed to investigate these psychological items in adolescent boys and girls examining gender differences and correlations with the BMI-for-age and cardiorespiratory performance. 374 students (209 girls with an average age of 16.4 ± 1.08 years, and 165 boys with an average age of 16.5 ± 1.03 years) underwent investigation using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, EAT-26 and BAT questionnaires. The BMI-for-age was calculated with BMI growth charts and the cardiorespiratory performance was measured with the 20 m shuttle run test. Our results showed that adolescent girls scored lower self-esteem and higher values for BAT and each scale of eating behaviors, such as uncontrolled eating, cognitive restraints and emotional eating compared to boys despite the fact, that obesity and overweight were more common among boys. No significant correlation was found between BMI and psychological test results in either boys or girls, however, subjective body shape and gender predicted self-esteem and BAT scores and the cognitive restraints in the eating attitudes. Uncontrolled and emotional eating were primarily influenced by gender, in which BMI played only a weaker role. Cardiorespiratory performance was positively associated with self-esteem and body image among boys, and it had a negative correlation regarding BMI in both genders.

Cultural shifts in the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa: The case of Orthorexia Nervosa

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is a term describing a fixation on food purity, involving ritualized eating patterns and a rigid avoidance of "unhealthy foods." Those self-identified as having ON tend to focus on food composition and feel immense guilt after eating food deemed "unhealthy." Although not formally recognized as a psychiatric disorder by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ON has received increasing attention since its identification in 1997. There is ongoing work to establish diagnostic and empirical tools for measuring ON; embedded in this is the question as to whether or not ON is a new eating disorder. In this paper, we argue ON is not a new psychiatric disorder but rather a new cultural manifestation of anorexia nervosa (AN). We begin by providing an overview of historical representations and classification of eating disorders, with a specific focus on AN. This is followed by discussion of the rise in diet culture and healthism since the 19th century. We conclude by examining the diagnostic validity and utility of ON through a discussion of empirical evidence. Classifying ON under the diagnostic umbrella of AN may improve our understanding of factors underlying restrictive eating behaviors.

Gender differences in symptom presentation and treatment outcome in children and youths with eating disorders

BACKGROUND

To address the gaps in the literature examining eating disorders among males and gender minority youths, a prospective study was designed to assess gender differences in eating disorder symptom presentation and outcomes. Muscularity concerns may be particularly relevant for male youths with eating disorders, and were included in assessment of eating disorder symptom presentation.

METHODS

All cisgender male youths who presented for specialized eating disorder treatment at one of two sites were invited to participate, along with a group of matched cisgender females, and all youths who did not identify with the sex assigned to them at birth. Youths completed measures of eating disorder symptoms, including muscularity concerns, and other psychiatric symptoms at baseline and end of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 27 males, 28 females and 6 trans youths took part in the study. At baseline, Kruskal-Wallis tests demonstrated that trans youths reported higher scores than cisgender male and female youths on measures of eating pathology (Eating disorder examination-questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the body fat subscale of the male body attitudes scale (MBAS)). These analyses demonstrated that there were no differences between cisgender male and female youths on eating disorder symptoms at baseline. However, repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated that males had greater decreases in eating pathology at discharge than did females, based on self-reported scores on the EDE-Q, MBAS, and Body Change Inventory.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender differences in eating pathology appeared at baseline, with trans youths reporting higher levels of eating pathology than cisgender youths, though no differences between cisgender males and females emerged at baseline for eating disorder symptom presentation. Contrary to expectations, there were no gender differences in measures of muscularity concerns. Males demonstrated greater eating disorder symptom improvements than females, suggesting that male adolescents may have better treatment outcomes than females in some domains.

Comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder in individuals with eating disorders: An epidemiological meta-analysis

The present study aimed to provide a precise, meta-analytic estimate of the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) amongst those with a current primary eating disorder (ED) diagnosis, and to isolate its predictors. An online search of PubMed and PsycINFO was conducted with a Boolean search phrase incorporating keywords related to OCD, EDs, comorbidity, prevalence, and epidemiology, complemented by references coded from related review articles and contact with experts in the field. Articles were included if they (a) reported an observational study examining current ED diagnoses, (b) used a semi-structured or structured diagnostic interview for OCD and ED diagnosis, (c) applied DSM or ICD criteria, (d) included adolescent or adult samples (age > 12), (e) included patient or community samples, and (f) reported lifetime or current OCD comorbidity. From the 846 articles identified, 35 lifetime and 42 current estimates were calculated. OCD prevalence was extracted from each study for each ED diagnostic category, along with eleven additional potential moderators. Analyses revealed an aggregate lifetime OCD prevalence of 13.9% CI_95% [10.4 to 18.1] and current OCD prevalence of 8.7% CI_95% [5.8 to 11.8] across EDs. Moderator analyses revealed the prevalence of and risk for OCD in EDs to be greatest in anorexia nervosa binge-eating purging type (ANBP). Further, OCD is most prevalent amongst patient samples than samples recruited from the community.

Diabetes technologies in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus and disordered eating: A systematic review on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery

AIMS

In this systematic review, we aimed (1) to identify and describe research investigating the use of advanced diabetes technologies (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, CSII; continuous glucose monitoring, CGM; automated insulin delivery, AID) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and disordered eating and (2) to discuss potential (dis)advantages of diabetes technology use in this population, derived from previous research.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search in two electronic databases for English articles published between 2000 and 2020 addressing eating disorders and/or dysfunctional eating behaviours and diabetes technology use in children, adolescents and adults with T1DM (PROSPERO ID CRD42020160244).

RESULTS

Of 70 publications initially identified, 17 were included. Overall, evidence on the use of diabetes technologies in people with T1DM and disordered eating is scarce. The majority of the studies reports findings on CSII in people with T1DM and dysfunctional eating behaviours or eating disorders. Findings predominantly stem from observational data and are, in most cases, secondary findings of the respective studies. Providing the greatest flexibility in diabetes management, CSII may have benefits in disordered eating. CGM data may complement the diagnostic process of disordered eating with a physiological indicator of insulin restriction (i.e. time spent in hyperglycaemia).

CONCLUSIONS

Results on possible (dis)advantages of diabetes technology use in people with T1DM and disordered eating are based on observational data, small pilot trials and anecdotical evidence from case reports. Prospective data from larger samples are needed to reliably determine potential effects of diabetes technology on disordered eating in T1DM.

Detection, treatment, and course of eating disorders in Finland: A population-based study of adolescent and young adult females and males

Objective:

We assessed the detection, treatment and outcomes of DSM-5 eating disorders in a nationwide community setting.

Method:

The FinnTwin12 cohort comprises twins born in 1983–1987 in Finland (n = 5,600), with follow-up starting at age 12. We outline treatment and outcomes of the 127 females and 15 males diagnosed with a lifetime DSM-5 eating disorder in interviews conducted for a subsample (n = 1,347) in their early 20s.

Results:

Only 45 (32%) of those diagnosed with eating disorder in the interviews had their condition detected in healthcare, and even fewer received treatment (30% of females, 13% of males). Anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa, and atypical AN were detected and treated more often than other eating disorders. Five years after disease onset, 41% of those diagnosed had recovered. There were no statistically significant differences in the course of different eating disorders (log-rank p = 0.66) but the outcome was more favourable among males (log-rank p = 0.008). The likelihood of 5-year recovery did not differ between those who had and who had not received treatment (41.1% vs. 40.5%, log-rank p = 0.66).

Conclusion:

Although eating disorders are common and symptoms are persistent for many, they remain under-diagnosed and under-treated. In real-world settings, effectiveness of provided treatments may be limited.

Emotional eating across different eating disorders and the role of body mass, restriction, and binge eating

OBJECTIVE

Different subtypes of eating disorders (ED) show dysfunctional eating behaviors such as overeating and/or restriction in response to emotions. Yet, systematic comparisons of all major EDs on emotional eating patterns are lacking. Furthermore, emotional eating correlates with body mass index (BMI), which also differs between EDs and thus confounds this comparison.

METHOD

Interview-diagnosed female ED patients (n = 204) with restrictive (AN-R) or binge-purge anorexia nervosa (AN-BP), bulimia nervosa (BN), or binge-eating disorder (BED) completed a questionnaire assessing "negative emotional eating" (sadness, anger, anxiety) and "happiness eating." ED groups were compared to BMI-matched healthy controls (HCs; n = 172 ranging from underweight to obesity) to exclude BMI as a confound.

RESULTS

Within HCs, higher BMI was associated with higher negative emotional eating and lower happiness eating. AN-R reported the lowest degree of negative emotional eating relative to other EDs and BMI-matched HCs, and the highest degree of happiness eating relative to other EDs. The BN and BED groups showed higher negative emotional eating compared to BMI-matched HCs. Patients with AN-BP occupied an intermediate position between AN-R and BN/BED and reported less happiness eating compared to BMI-matched HCs.

DISCUSSION

Negative emotional and happiness eating patterns differ across EDs. BMI-independent emotional eating patterns distinguish ED subgroups and might be related to the occurrence of binge eating versus restriction. Hence, different types of emotional eating can represent fruitful targets for tailored psychotherapeutic interventions. While BN and BED might be treated with similar approaches, AN-BP and AN-R would need specific treatment modules.

The Prevalence of Impulse Control Disorders and Behavioral Addictions in Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) may present with impulse control disorders (ICDs) and behavioral addictions (BAs), which may result in additional suffering and treatment resistance. However, the prevalence of ICDs and BAs in EDs has not been systematically examined. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of ICDs and BAs in ED samples. Methods: A comprehensive electronic database search of the peer-reviewed literature was conducted in the following online databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL from their inception to May 2021. We restricted review eligibility to research studies reporting prevalence for ICDs or BAs in individuals with diagnosed EDs. The outcome for this review was the prevalence of ICDs or BAs in individuals with EDs. A series of random-effects meta-analyses were performed on eligible studies to estimate the pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 9,646 individuals identified as having an ED, 18 of these studies specifically examined ICDs/BAs in AN, BN, and BED. Random-effects pooled estimates demonstrated that the comorbid prevalence of any ICD was 22%. The prevalence of comorbid pathological/compulsive buying was highest (19%), followed by kleptomania (18%), pathological internet use (12%), intermittent explosive disorder (4%), trichotillomania (3%), and gambling disorder (2%). In addition, the prevalence of stealing/shoplifting behaviors was 30% in those with EDs. Conclusion: This is the first meta-analysis on the comorbid prevalence of EDs and ICDs/BAs. We found a moderate prevalence for these comorbid conditions, with approximately one out of five individuals with an ED also displaying a comorbid ICD/BA. Although causal inferences cannot be drawn, the numbers strongly suggest that clinical screening/monitoring of ICDs/BAs should be part of the clinical routine in cohorts with EDs. ED settings need either the capacity to manage these disorders or adequate access to relevant services. Further investigations are needed to reveal common underlying pathomechanisms. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42020202044.

Eating Disorders in Males: An 8-Year Population-Based Observational Study

The objective of the study was the realistic evaluation of the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) among Polish men who sought treatment through the National Health Fund (NFZ) in the years 2010–2017. According to ICD-10, four types of ED were analyzed: anorexia nervosa—AN (F50.0), atypical anorexia nervosa (F50.1), bulimia nervosa—BN (F50.2), and atypical bulimia nervosa (F50.3).

The NFZ database was used. The ED groups were defined according to ICD-10 codes. Demographic data were collected from the web page of Statistics Poland (GUS). The annual prevalence of EDs was estimated, and the age groups were categorized into nine groups. For the incidence of EDs in male patients in the years 2010–2017, relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated.

The frequency trend of AN in males remains relatively stable. AN occurred mainly in young men (between 11 and 30 years). It was noted that AN affected approximately 100 men in each year of observation, while atypical anorexia nervosa affected about 40 men. In 2017, the RR for EDs in young males was 0.041 (95% CI [0.033, 0.051]). Bulimia was relatively rare (about 35 males each year).

The incidence of EDs in males is a relatively constant phenomenon. The real number of male patients with EDs may be higher. The current conceptualizations of ED pathology should be modified and better adapted to men. Clinical guidelines for specialists working with males with EDs should be developed.

Cocreating research priorities for anorexia nervosa: The Canadian Eating Disorder Priority Setting Partnership

OBJECTIVE

The Canadian Eating Disorder Priority Setting Partnership was established to identify and prioritize the top 10 research priorities for females, 15 years or older, with anorexia nervosa, by incorporating equal input from those with lived experience, families, and healthcare professionals.

METHOD

This project, which closely followed the James Lind Alliance guidelines, solicited research priorities from the Canadian eating disorder community by means of a five-step process including use of a survey, response collation, literature checking, interim ranking survey, and in-person prioritization workshop.

RESULTS

The initial survey elicited 897 priorities from 147 individuals, with almost equal representation from all three stakeholder groups. From this, 603 responses aligned with the project objectives and were collapsed into 71 broader indicative questions. Based on available systematic reviews, 18 indicative questions were removed as they were considered answered by existing literature while 8 indicative questions were added from the recommendations of the reviews. In total, 61 indicative questions were ranked in an interim ranking survey, where 21 questions were prioritized as important by at least 20% of respondents. As a final step, 28 individuals from across Canada attended the prioritization workshop to coestablish the top 10 research priorities.

DISCUSSION

Top priorities were related to treatment gaps and the need for more surveillance data. This systematic methodology allowed for a transparent and collaborative approach to identifying current priorities from both the service user and provider perspective. Wide dissemination is anticipated to promote work that is of high relevance to patients, families, and clinicians.

DSM-5 eating disorders among adolescents and young adults in Finland: A public health concern

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the lifetime prevalence, 10-year incidence, and peak periods of onset for eating disorders as defined by the Fifth Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) among adolescents and young adults born in the 1980s in Finland.

METHOD

Virtually all Finnish twins born in 1983-1987 (n = 5,600) were followed prospectively from the age of 12 years. A subsample of participants (n = 1,347) was interviewed using a semi-structured diagnostic interview in their early twenties.

RESULTS

The prevalence of lifetime DSM-5 eating disorders was 17.9% for females and 2.4% for males (pooled across genders, 10.5%). The estimated lifetime prevalences for females and males, respectively, were 6.2 and 0.3% for anorexia nervosa (AN), 2.4 and 0.16% for bulimia nervosa (BN), 0.6 and 0.3% for binge-eating disorder (BED), 4.5 and 0.16% for other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), and 4.5 and 1.6% for unspecified feeding or eating disorder (UFED). Among females, the prevalence of OSFED subcategories was as follows: atypical AN 2.1%, purging disorder 1.3%, BED of low frequency/limited duration 0.7%, and BN of low frequency/limited duration 0.4%. The 10-year incidence rate of eating disorders was 1,700 per 100,000 person-years among females (peak age of onset 16-19 years) and 220 per 100,000 person-years among males.

DISCUSSION

Eating disorders are a common public health concern among youth and young adults, affecting one in six females and one in 40 males. Adequate screening efforts, prevention, and interventions are urgently needed.

Male Figural Rating Scales: A Critical Review of the Literature

Figural rating scales are tools used to measure male body dissatisfaction. The present review aimed to examine the design and psychometric properties of male figural rating scales and make recommendations based on findings. Relevant databases were systematically searched for studies that had developed and validated male figural rating scales. Twenty studies were included in this review. Figural rating scales differed in terms of the number of images represented and type of stimuli used (hand-drawn silhouettes, hand-drawn figures, computer-rendered figures, and photograph figures). Reliability and validity evidence varied greatly in strength across all scales. Four of the 20 scales included a correlational analysis between figural rating scale scores and eating disorder symptoms. Results showed the moderate to high positive correlations between eating disorder symptoms and figural rating scale perceived and index scores, suggesting that figural rating scales are sensitive to detecting eating disorder symptoms. Ideally, male figural rating scales should show strong validity and reliability, include variations in both body fat and muscularity, utilise realistic body stimuli, and be interval scales. No existing male figural rating scale meets these criteria. However, this review identifies five figural rating scales that meet the majority of the recommended criteria.

[Promoting a positive body image in young people.]

INTRODUCTION

Positive body image is a recent concept that includes several facets, such as the acceptance of one&#8217;s body and the ability to take care of it with safe, nurturing methods. The purpose of this article is to explain this concept and its importance, and to review prevention and health promotion interventions that might be effective for its development.

METHOD

We conducted a narrative review, including the latest publications that summarize the concept&#8217;s usefulness and the effectiveness of prevention programs that may contribute to the&#160;development of positive body image in youth.

RESULTS

The development of a positive body image is proposed as a key factor that would allow integrated prevention of the entire spectrum of weight and eating issues in young people, as well as other problems such as depression. Three approaches used for prevention interventions developed primarily to target body dissatisfaction as a risk factor might promote certain aspects of positive body image. It would be advisable to adopt a universal and ecological prevention approach, in order to standardize the messages received throughout the social environment regarding healthy eating, an active lifestyle, and respect for the diversity of weight, shape, and beauty.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the importance of positive body image for public health, as well as the various preventive interventions that have proven effective for youth and young adults, so that future developments can build on what has already been performed.

The shield of self-compassion: A buffer against disordered eating risk from physical appearance perfectionism

General perfectionistic tendencies as well as perfectionism focussed specifically on one's physical appearance have been implicated as risk factors for disordered eating. This study extends previous research on protective factors by investigating self-compassion as a moderator of the relationship between both general and physical-appearance-perfectionism and disordered eating. A cross-sectional online survey assessed general perfectionism, physical-appearance-perfectionism, disordered eating symptoms, self-compassion and negative affect in female UK university students (N = 421). Results showed physical-appearance-perfectionism explained variance (15%) in disordered eating symptoms above general perfectionism and negative affect. Both perfectionistic concerns about and strivings for appearance perfection were significant unique predictors of disordered eating. Self-compassion moderated the relationship between both perfectionistic concerns and strivings of physical-appearance-perfectionism, but not general perfectionism, and disordered eating. This study suggests both perfectionistic concerns about and strivings for appearance perfection represent potential risk factors for disordered eating among female university students and that self-compassion may reduce their impact.

Evidence for a sex-specific contribution of polygenic load for anorexia nervosa to body weight and prefrontal brain structure in nonclinical individuals

Genetic predisposition and brain structural abnormalities have been shown to be involved in the biological underpinnings of anorexia nervosa (AN). Prefrontal brain regions are suggested to contribute through behavioral inhibition mechanisms to body weight. However, it is unknown if and to which extent biological correlates for AN might be present in individuals without clinical AN symptomatology. We therefore investigated the contribution of polygenic load for AN on body weight and prefrontal brain structure in a sample of n = 380 nonclinical individuals. A polygenic score (PGS) reflecting the individual genetic load for the trait of anorexia nervosa was calculated. Structural MRI data were acquired and preprocessed using the cortical parcellation stream of FreeSurfer. We observed a significant PGS × sex interaction effect on body mass index (BMI), which was driven by a negative correlation between PGS and BMI in female participants. Imaging analyses revealed significant interaction effects of sex  × PGS on surface area of the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the pars orbitalis (PO), the rostral middle frontal gyrus (RMF) and the pars triangularis (PT) of the left frontal cortex. The interaction effects were driven by positive correlations between PGS and prefrontal surface areas in female participants and negative correlations in male participants. We furthermore found sex-specific associations between BMI and left RMF surface area as well as between BMI and left PO and left RMF thickness. Our findings demonstrate a sex-specific association between polygenic load for AN, BMI, and prefrontal brain structure in nonclinical individuals. Hence, this study identifies structural abnormalities associated with polygenic load for AN and BMI in brain regions deeply involved in behavioral inhibition and impulse regulation as candidate brain regions for future research.

Medical Complications of Eating Disorders in Youth

Eating disorders affect a significant number of individuals across the life span and are found among all demographic groups (including all genders, socioeconomic statuses, and ethnicities). They can cause malnutrition, which can have significant effects on every organ system in the body. Cardiovascular complications are particularly dangerous and cause eating disorders to have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. This article outlines the medical assessment and treatment of malnutrition due to disordered eating.

Disordered eating attitudes correlate with body dissatisfaction among Kuwaiti male college students

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of disordered eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction based on muscularity and body fat was investigated among male college students in Kuwait with a range of body mass index values including underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese participants.

METHODS

Data were collected, using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the Bodybuilder Image Grid (BIG), from 400 male undergraduate students (84.8% Kuwaiti nationals) recruited from both public and private universities in Kuwait. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of symptomatology indicative of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and to examine the associations between body dissatisfaction and muscularity and body fat.

RESULTS

Most participants were dissatisfied with their current muscle mass and body fat (67.3 and 69%, respectively). Logistic regression analyses produced odds ratios (ORs) demonstrating that students dissatisfied with their muscularity and body fat and those who indicated a desire to decrease both muscularity and body fat had significantly higher odds of being at risk of disordered eating attitudes (OR = 2.241, 95% CI [1.17, 3.6], p = .032, and OR = 1.898, 95% CI [1.214, 2.967], p = .005, respectively). Obese participants also had higher odds of exhibiting disordered eating attitudes (OR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.17, 3.60], p = .011).

CONCLUSION

The high proportion of disordered eating attitudes among Kuwaiti college men was associated with high levels of body image dissatisfaction in relation to both body fat and muscularity. High levels of eating disorder symptoms were also linked to obesity.