A large neuroimaging study found structural brain differences in individuals with bulimia nervosa, particularly in regions involved in reward and motivation, social and sensory processing. More frequent binge eating was associated with more widespread differences in brain structure.
Teenagers from lower-income households are more likely to have eating disorders, contrary to common stereotypes. The study found that family income showed the strongest correlation, with two-thirds of studies indicating that lower-income families were more likely to have eating disorder symptoms.
UCSF's new center aims to train 1,000 health care providers annually and develop screening tools to identify eating disorders. The center will also serve as a national hub for eating disorders research, connecting investigators across institutions and disciplines.
A large genetic study of anorexia nervosa and binge-eating behaviour has identified six areas in the genome associated with binge eating and eight loci associated with anorexia nervosa. The study also found that genetic associations with binge eating and anorexia nervosa have similar positive correlations with psychiatric disorders, bu...
A study of behavior-related digital dieting apps found that photo-informed expert feedback increased app use and improved meal recording, while photo-based peer observation reduced engagement and did not affect food choices. The findings provide practical guidance for designing effective digital health apps.
A study of 1,001 people in England found that calorie labels on restaurant menus can be helpful for those with binge eating disorders, particularly those who feel a sense of control over their eating. In contrast, individuals with restrictive eating disorders viewed them negatively.
A cohort study reveals that infants from vegan households have similar growth patterns to those from omnivorous households, with a higher risk of early underweight at birth. As the findings suggest, further research is needed to examine the quality of vegan diets and the impact of nutritional counseling during pregnancy and infancy.
A doctor warns of critical treatment gaps in eating disorders, highlighting the dangers of ignoring physical warning signs and behavioral indicators. Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani advocates for integrated medical and psychological care to address the urgent need for effective treatment.
A 12-week online program has been shown to be effective in treating bulimia nervosa, with a significant reduction in binge eating and compensatory behaviors. The study found that guided internet-based CBT can help people who struggle to access specialist care.
A University of Houston study found that positive childhood experiences, such as supportive relationships and regular household routines, can protect against disordered eating behaviors in college students. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, were also linked to increased risk factors for disordered eating.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that young patients who received eight or more outpatient therapy sessions after a hospital stay were 25 times less likely to be readmitted. The therapy was delivered by community-based clinicians and did not require specialist expertise. This simple yet effective approach has the potential to break...
Researchers at the University of Houston found that females with more psychologically flexible personalities have fewer signs of eating disorders. The study suggests a personalized approach to therapy may be most effective for preventing eating disorders when using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
A study found that only a quarter of mental health providers correctly diagnosed bulimia nervosa, with common misdiagnoses including binge eating disorder. Excessive exercise is often overlooked as a compensatory strategy used by people with bulimia.
A study of 235 participants found that binge eating was perceived as the most trivial condition, with strong social stigma attached. This stigma can make it even harder for individuals to seek help and overcome their eating disorders.
A recent study found that disordered eating is associated with a higher risk of symptoms of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women. The research revealed that consuming highly processed ready-made foods and fast food increases the risk for stress urinary incontinence, while a higher quality diet decreases the risk.
A new study found that individuals with eating disorders have a higher risk of death and poor health outcomes due to abnormal electrolyte levels. The research, led by ICES and The Ottawa Hospital, included over 6,000 individuals with an eating disorder, revealing that 32% had abnormal electrolyte levels.
A web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention effectively decreases eating disorder symptoms in individuals with bulimia nervosa, reducing illness-related burden. The digital intervention has potential as a complement to established treatments for bulimia nervosa.
A new study reveals a disproportionate increase in pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations, particularly among males, younger teens, and those with eating disorders other than anorexia or bulimia. Hospitalizations rose by 139% over 17 years, with the greatest increases seen for these atypical groups.
The University of Louisville has been awarded $11.5 million from the National Institutes of Health to research and treat eating disorders. The project will investigate how eating disorders develop in childhood and adolescence, their contribution to suicidal behaviors, and the development of innovative personalized treatment.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found that non-European individuals in Sweden have a higher prevalence of eating disorder symptoms, but limited access to specialist care. The study reveals a significant gap between those with disordered eating and those receiving specialized treatment.
The University of Kansas researcher has been awarded a grant to study eating disorders in active-duty military members, identifying risk factors and potential links to substance use and mental health symptoms. The goal is to improve screening tools and develop targeted interventions.
A new study finds that childhood symptoms of disordered eating are predictive of symptoms in adulthood for both Black and white women. Black women's symptoms were predicted by earlier ages compared to white women, suggesting cultural and psychological factors may influence symptom presentation.
A recent study from the University of Toronto found that greater screen time is associated with more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young people. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 adolescents and young adults and found that social media use, texting, TV watching, and video chatting were linked to muscle dysmor...
Engaged feeding practices, such as recognizing fullness cues and responsive feeding, can help parents guide their children towards healthier eating habits. By adopting these practices, parents can create a positive relationship with food that lasts into adulthood.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered that patients with electrolyte abnormalities are twice as likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. This study analyzed Ontario health data between 2008 and 2020, identifying a potential preventative treatment for approximately 1 million Canadians.
A recent study found that nearly half of men and one in five women engaged in 'bulk and cut' cycles, connected with a greater desire for muscularity. The study also linked this dietary method to symptoms of eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia among participants.
A new screening tool has been developed to identify pregnant women at risk of eating disorders, allowing for early intervention and treatment. The Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening (PEBS) tool, created by WVU researchers, uses a 12-question screener to assess symptoms and emotions associated with eating disorders.
Researchers at Ohio University investigated the differences between purging disorder and bulimia nervosa, finding that while both conditions involve self-induced vomiting, purging disorder is characterized by a lack of binge eating episodes. The study suggests that purging disorder requires specific treatments that target its unique sy...
The US Preventive Services Task Force concludes that there is not enough evidence to recommend routine screening for eating disorders. Eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, bulimia, and anorexia nervosa are associated with short- and long-term adverse health outcomes including physical, psychological, and social problems.
A new study found that women with bulimia nervosa exhibited reduced activation of the medial and lateral prefrontal cortices during attempts to control eating behavior. This deficiency in inhibitory control-related activation may contribute to more severe binge eating episodes.
A recent study analyzed commercially insured patients and found that inpatient stays for eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included over 3.2 million people and highlighted the need for continued support and treatment for individuals affected by these conditions.
A new study published in the journal Eating Behaviors found a strong association between vaping or e-cigarette use and an increased risk of developing an eating disorder among US college students. The study analyzed over 51,000 participants and highlighted the need for more research and clinical assessment to address this growing concern.
Research suggests that dieting is a consequence of an unhealthy food environment, rather than the cause of weight loss problems. Experts recommend refocusing concerns on changing the food environment to curb dieting and related issues.
Research suggests that low childhood BMI is associated with higher anorexia nervosa risk, while high BMI or overweight increases the risk of bulimia nervosa. Monitoring weight and height during childhood may help identify early warning profiles for eating disorders.
A recent study analyzing over 20,000 genomes found similarities and differences in genetic patterns among anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. The research team discovered that while these eating disorders share genetic risk with psychiatric disorders, they differ in their association with body weight regulation.
A recent study found that young adults in Australia are leaving it 'too late' to seek help for eating disorders due to various barriers. Concerns about autonomy, fear of being a burden, and perceptions of the illness's severity prevent many from seeking professional advice.
A study of Canadian women found that those with bulimia nervosa were at higher risk for long-term cardiovascular disease and death. The study, which followed participants for 12 years, also revealed a significant association between bulimia and increased mortality rates.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry provides updated estimates of the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of eating disorders in the US. The study found that 0.80% of US adults will be affected by anorexia nervosa, 0.28% by bulimia nervosa, and 0.85% by binge eating disorder in their lifetime.
Individuals with eating disorders are more likely to be convicted of theft and other crimes, with 12% and 7% incidences reported. Researchers call for further investigation into the relationship between crime and eating disorder psychopathology.
Research suggests that women with bulimia nervosa use food as an escape from negative thoughts and self-criticism, as indicated by decreased blood flow in the brain's self-reflection region. The study found increased stress reduction and increased food cravings after consuming high-fat/high-sugar foods.
Researchers found that adults with bulimia nervosa have elevated reward-related brain activation in response to taste, which may explain their drive to eat even when not hungry. The study suggests that new treatment therapies targeting specific brain pathways could be effective.
Researchers found that a 20-minute session of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improves bulimia symptoms, mood, and self-regulatory control. This breakthrough study offers hope for a new therapy for the mental health condition.
A new study found that non-invasive brain stimulation using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can significantly reduce bulimia symptoms, including urge to binge eat and concerns about weight. The treatment showed promise in improving cognitive control over compulsive features of the disorder.
A study found that around two-thirds of women with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa will eventually recover from their eating disorders. Recovery tends to happen more quickly for those with bulimia, while anorexia recovery takes longer on average.
A study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that online group therapy can be as effective as face-to-face treatment for bulimia nervosa, with recovery pace slightly slower. The digital approach may help bridge the gap for patients without access to specialist care.
Researchers found altered brain pathways in individuals with anorexia and bulimia nervosa, overriding the hypothalamus' drive to eat. This reversal allows their brains to fend off hunger signals, making it harder for them to consume food.
Research from the University of Oxford found that schools with higher proportions of female students and university-educated parents have more eating disorders among their students. Eating disorders affect 5.7% of adolescent girls in Sweden, with serious consequences including early death.
A Georgia Tech study found that Instagram's ban on pro-eating disorder terms led to communities rallying around censored words, driving up participation by 30%. Researchers suggest allowing banned terms to be searchable with recovery-related links or tweaking search algorithms instead.
A study published in International Journal of Eating Disorders found a surprising link between bullying and eating disorders, with victims and bullies alike at increased risk. Children who were victims of bullying had nearly twice the risk of displaying symptoms of anorexia and bulimia compared to those not involved in bullying.
Involving parents in the treatment of adolescents with bulimia nervosa is more effective than treating the patient individually. Family-based therapy achieved higher abstinence rates from bingeing and purging compared to cognitive behavioral therapy, according to a randomized clinical trial.
A recent 12-country study found that binge-eating disorder is associated with substantial lifelong impairments, including depression, anxiety disorders, and work disability. The study suggests that early detection and treatment of eating disorders during adolescence may help prevent subsequent mental and physical disorders.
A landmark study suggests that altered neural circuitry contributes to restricted eating in anorexia and overeating in bulimia. Functional MRI scans revealed diminished responses to sweet tastes in recovered individuals with anorexia, while elevated responses were seen in those with bulimia.
The incidence of eating disorders is increasing in the UK, with a total of 9072 cases diagnosed over 10 years. The most common type is eating disorders not otherwise specified, which has risen steadily from 32.3 new cases per 100,000 population in 2000 to 37.2 by 2009.
Researchers found that most women with bulimia regain significant weight while having the disorder, contrary to expected weight loss. Weight history is a crucial factor in understanding and treating bulimia.
Researchers found global increases in ligand binding to CB1 receptors in the brains of women with anorexia nervosa, suggesting a compensatory process. The study suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be a potential new target for developing drugs to treat eating disorders.
A new study has identified possible genetic variations that could influence a patient's recovery from an eating disorder. The findings suggest that certain genetic traits, including those associated with anxiety and concerns over mistakes, may be linked to chronic eating disorders.
A study published in The Arts in Psychotherapy found that women with anorexia or bulimia draw themselves with distinct characteristics, including a larger neck and emphasized mouth. Self-figure drawings can be used as a tool for assessing eating disorders and may help individuals open up to therapists about their struggles.
A Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital study found that many patients with severe eating disorders are misdiagnosed due to restrictive diagnostic criteria. The study indicates that patients who barely meet the full diagnostic criteria for anorexia or bulimia may be just as sick, highlighting the...
Researchers suggest remote therapies, such as online cognitive behavioral therapy, could improve treatment outcomes for eating disorders. The study reviews the current state of eating disorder diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to specialized care.
A new study finds that black girls are 50% more likely to exhibit bulimic behavior, including binging and purging, compared to white girls. The study also reveals that girls from low-income families are significantly more likely to experience bulimia than their wealthier peers.