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Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 29199

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Dr. Kamila Czepczor-Bernat

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Chair of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Obesity and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
Interests: eating disorders; emotional eating; obesity; body image; emotion regulation; psychodietetics; e-mental health; cognitive behavioral therapy; dyadic research

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to invite you to submit a contribution to a Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health on "Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight".

In recent years, interest in the topic of eating disorders has increased significantly, and a great deal of research has been carried out that investigates both their etiology and treatment. However, this topic is extremely complex and new areas for exploration continue to arise.

This Special Issue will analyze some of the challenges and advances related to eating disorders (including those pertaining to public health). We welcome manuscripts that contribute to a better understanding of the etiopathology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders. The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a scholarly space for studies that focus on these fields.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Kamila Czepczor-Bernat
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

eating disorders
eating disorders and obesity
treatment trajectories
new technologies
eating disorders and public health
psychodietetic aspects of eating disorders
eating disorders and related issues

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Disorder (ARFID), Food Neophobia, Other Eating-Related Behaviours and Feeding Practices among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and in Non-Clinical Sample: A Preliminary Study

by Agata Kozak, Kamila Czepczor-Bernat, Justyna Modrzejewska, Adriana Modrzejewska, Edyta Matusik and Paweł Matusik

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(10), 5822; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20105822 - 14 May 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4626

Abstract

Previous research shows that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience several difficulties—including those related to eating—and this area of research needs to be explored further. This study had two main objectives: (1) comparison of the clinical (autism spectrum disorder) and non-clinical sample of children in terms of avoidant/restrictive food disorder, food neophobia, other eating-related behaviours and feeding practices; (2) assessment of selected predictors of food neophobia. The final sample included 54 children and parents from the clinical sample (ASD) and 51 from the non-clinical sample. Parents completed: the autism spectrum rating scales (ASRS), the eating disorders in youth questionnaire (EDY-Q), the children food neophobia scale (CFNS), the child eating behaviour questionnaire (CEBQ), the child feeding questionnaire (CFQ), and a socio-demographic survey. Our analysis allowed us to partially confirm the first hypothesis since the clinical sample (vs. the non-clinical group) had significantly higher scores in such variables as (a) avoidant/restrictive food disorder (ARFID), (b) food neophobia, (c) other eating-related behaviours: emotional under-eating, desire to drink, food fussiness, (d) feeding practices: pressure to eat. Moreover, our analysis of predictors of food neophobia in the clinical and non-clinical samples also allowed us to partially confirm the second hypothesis because it turned out that only in the clinical sample (vs. the non-clinical sample) were the predictors significantly associated with food neophobia, but only two of them (food fussiness and selective eating). In conclusion, our study showed that children with ASD (compared to children without this diagnosis) experience increased difficulties in eating behaviours, and their parents present a stronger intensity of the feeding practice based on pressure to eat. This study showed that feeding problems for children in the ASD sample are a significant problem, and it is still worth exploring this area in research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight)

17 pages, 833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Eating Disorders in Military First Line of Defense against COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study during the Second Epidemic Wave in Peru

by Mario J. Valladares-Garrido, Darwin A. León-Figueroa, Cinthia Karina Picón-Reátegui, Abigaíl García-Vicente, Danai Valladares-Garrido, Virgilio E. Failoc-Rojas and César Johan Pereira-Victorio

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2848; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042848 - 6 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2990

Abstract

Few studies have evaluated eating disorders in military personnel engaged in defense activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with eating disorders in military personnel from Lambayeque, Peru. A secondary data analysis was performed among 510 military personnel during the second epidemic wave of COVID-19 in Peru. We used the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) to assess eating disorders. We explored associations with insomnia, food insecurity, physical activity, resilience, fear to COVID-19, burnout syndrome, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and selected sociodemographic variables. Eating disorders were experienced by 10.2% of participants. A higher prevalence of eating disorders was associated with having 7 to 12 months (PR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.24–7.11) and 19 months or more (PR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.11–6.17) working in the first line of defense against COVID-19, fear of COVID-19 (PR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.26–3.85), burnout syndrome (PR: 3.73; 95% CI: 1.90–7.33) and post-traumatic stress (PR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.13–7.83). A low prevalence of eating disorders was found in the military personnel. However, prevention of this problem should be focused on at-risk groups that experience mental health burdens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight)

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15 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Evaluation of the Drive for Muscularity Scale and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory among Brazilian Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Adult Men

by Cleonaldo Gonçalves Santos, Maurício Almeida, Mauro Lúcio de Oliveira Júnior, Tiffany A. Brown and Pedro Henrique Berbert de Carvalho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20020989 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1821

Abstract

Despite high levels of muscularity concerns among sexual-minority men, most of the existing literature on the drive for muscularity and muscle dysmorphia focuses on heterosexual men and has mainly been conducted in Western and English-speaking regions. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men who were 18–50 years old. We evaluated the factor structure of both measures using a two-step, split-sample exploratory (EFA; n = 704) and confirmatory (CFA; n = 705) factor-analytic approach, which supported the original three-factor structure of the MDDI and resulted in a reduced two-factor solution with 13 items for the DMS. Convergent validity was supported through associations of the DMS and the MDDI with eating disorder symptoms, body-ideal internalization, self-objectification beliefs and behaviors, and body appreciation measures. Additionally, we found good internal consistency, and test–retest reliability of both measures. Results support the validity and reliability of the DMS and the MDDI in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men and will support future studies exploring these constructs in Brazilian sexual-minority men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight)

12 pages, 646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Attention to Body Shape, Social Physique Anxiety, and Personal Characteristics of Brazilians: A Structural Equation Model

by Wanderson Roberto da Silva, Patrícia Angélica Teixeira, João Marôco, Eric Batista Ferreira, Micaela Aparecida Teodoro and Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14802; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214802 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2648

Abstract

People can develop eating disorders due to excessive body image concerns. The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between attention to body shape, social physique anxiety, and personal characteristics in a sample of Brazilians. The secondary objective was to evaluate the correlation of the constructs with the participants’ body composition. First, 1795 individuals (70% female; M_age = 25.5 ± 6.6 years) completed the Attention to Body Shape Scale, the Social Physique Anxiety Scale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Then, 286 participants (58% female; M_age = 25.3 ± 5.7 years) underwent a bioimpedance exam to identify body composition. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the relationship between the variables. The greater the attention to body shape, the greater the expectations of negative physical evaluation and the less comfort with physical presentation. Younger age, female gender, consumption of supplements/substances for body change, restrictive diets, physical inactivity, poor self-assessment of food quality, and overweight/obesity were related to negative body concerns. An expectation of negative physical evaluation was positively correlated with body fat and negatively with muscle mass. Comfort with physical presentation was negatively correlated with fat and positively with muscle. These results can support preventive strategies aimed at reducing eating disorders resulting from body image concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight)

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8 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Schizotypal Facets and Symptoms of Disordered Eating in Women

by Viren Swami, David Barron and Adrian Furnham

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11157; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811157 - 6 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1821

Abstract

Research has suggested that schizotypy—a personality organisation representing latent vulnerability for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders—may be elevated in women with symptoms of disordered eating. However, studies have not fully considered associations between symptoms of disordered eating and multidimensional schizotypy. To overcome this limitation, we asked an online sample of 235 women from the United States to complete measures of symptoms of disordered eating (drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and bulimic symptoms) and multidimensional schizotypy. Correlational analyses indicated significant associations between drive for thinness and bulimic symptoms, respectively, and most schizotypal facets. Body dissatisfaction was significantly associated with only two schizotypal facets. Overall, the strength of correlations was weak-to-moderate. Regression results indicated that only the schizotypal feature of excessive social anxiety was significantly associated with all risk for disordered eating factors. These results are consistent with aetiological models of disordered eating that highlight socio-affective difficulties as risk factors for symptoms of disordered eating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight)

12 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Pandemic Consequences among Individuals with Eating Disorders on a Clinical Sample in Poland—A Cross-Sectional Study

by Przemysław Seweryn Kasiak, Natalia Adamczyk, Alicja Monika Jodczyk, Aleksandra Kaproń, Anna Lisowska, Artur Mamcarz and Daniel Śliż

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8484; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148484 - 11 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2675

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and imposed restrictions had negative consequences on overall health among many populations. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the pandemic on eating disorders (ED) and mental health (MH) of individuals with confirmed ED diagnoses. A survey consisting of questions related to (1) diagnosis of COVID-19, (2) changes in ED symptoms and onset of new symptoms, (3) psychological and MH aspects regarding to the pandemic, (4) lifestyle changes, and (5) social media (SM) usage was distributed between April–June 2021. One hundred and ninety-eight individuals met all of the inclusion criteria (n_females = 195, 98.48%; n_{other gender} = 3, 1.52%). Of the participants, 78.79% reported worsening of their ED symptoms, 42.93% of them noticed an onset of new ED symptoms, and 57.58% believed that the pandemic had a negative impact on their ED treatment. Negative changes due to the pandemic on MH were reported by 88.89%. Of the participants, 91.92% increased their time spent on SM and 54.04% of them declared that it had a negative impact on their MH. Medical professionals should consider results while providing comprehensive psychological care, which can be crucial information in the application of the appropriate treatment strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight)

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38 pages, 1167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Binge Eating Disorder Is a Social Justice Issue: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study of Binge Eating Disorder Experts’ Opinions

by Brenna Bray, Chris Bray, Ryan Bradley and Heather Zwickey

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6243; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106243 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5105

Abstract

Background: Binge eating disorder is an autonomous DSM-V diagnosis characterized by discrete rapid consumption of objectively large amounts of food without compensation, associated with loss of control and distress. Environmental factors that contribute to binge eating disorder continue to evolve. This mixed-methods cross-sectional study assessed whether there is consensus among experts in the field about environmental factors that influence adult binge eating disorder pathology. Methods: Fourteen expert binge eating disorder researchers, clinicians, and healthcare administrators were identified internationally based on federal funding, PubMed-indexed publications, active practice in the field, leadership in relevant societies, and/or clinical and popular press distinction. Semi-structured interviews were recorded anonymously and analyzed by ≥2 investigators using reflexive thematic analysis and quantification. Results: Identified themes included: (1) systemic issues and systems of oppression (100%); (2) marginalized and under-represented populations (100%); (3) economic precarity and food/nutrition insecurity/scarcity (93%); (4) stigmatization and its psychological impacts (93%); (5) trauma and adversity (79%); (6) interpersonal factors (64%); (7) social messaging and social media (50%); (8) predatory food industry practices (29%); and (9) research/clinical gaps and directives (100%). Conclusions: Overall, experts call for policy changes around systemic factors that abet binge eating and for greater public education about who can have binge eating disorder. There is also a call to take and account for the narratives and life experiences of individuals with binge eating disorder to better inform our current understanding of the diagnosis and the environmental factors that impact it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight)

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Review

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27 pages, 650 KiB

Open AccessReview

Accessibility of Psychological Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa: A Review of Efficacy and Engagement in Online Self-Help Treatments

by Sarah Barakat and Sarah Maguire

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010119 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4826

Abstract

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by marked impairment to one’s physical health and social functioning, as well as high rates of chronicity and comorbidity. This literature review aims to summarise existing academic research related to the symptom profile of BN, the costs and burden imposed by the illness, barriers to the receipt of care, and the evidence base for available psychological treatments. As a consequence of well-documented difficulties in accessing evidence-based treatments for eating disorders, efforts have been made towards developing innovative, diverse channels to deliver treatment, with several of these attempting to harness the potential of digital platforms. In response to the increasing number of trials investigating the utility of online treatments, this paper provides a critical review of previous attempts to examine digital interventions in the treatment of eating disorders. The results of a focused literature review are presented, including a detailed synthesis of a knowledgeable selection of high-quality articles with the aim of providing an update on the current state of research in the field. The results of the review highlight the potential for online self-help treatments to produce moderately sized reductions in core behavioural and cognitive symptoms of eating disorders. However, concern is raised regarding the methodological limitations of previous research in the field, as well as the high rates of dropout and poor adherence reported across most studies. The review suggests directions for future research, including the need to replicate previous findings using rigorous study design and methodology, as well as further investigation regarding the utility of clinician support and interactive digital features as potential mechanisms for offsetting low rates of engagement with online treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight)

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Other

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8 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Body Dissatisfaction and Binge Eating: The Moderating Roles of Sweet Taste Reward Sensitivity and Dietary Restraint among Tobacco Product Users

by Tyler B. Mason, Anna Dolgon-Krutolow, Kathryn E. Smith and Adam M. Leventhal

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15523; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315523 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1631

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction is a key predictor of binge eating, yet less is known about factors that may potentiate the association between body dissatisfaction and binge eating. This study examined self-reported dietary restraint and sweet taste reward sensitivity as candidate moderators of the association between body dissatisfaction and binge eating in adults. A convenience sample of 221 tobacco product users completed measures of eating disorder pathology and sweet taste reward sensitivity. Results revealed that elevated sweet taste reward sensitivity strengthened the positive association between higher body dissatisfaction and binge eating. However, there was no main effect, or moderation effect, of dietary restraint on binge eating. The findings of this study demonstrate the key role of sweet taste reward sensitivity in potentiating the association between body dissatisfaction and binge eating. Sweet taste reward sensitivity may serve as a key dispositional factor for uncontrolled eating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Challenges, Advances and Public Health Insight)

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