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Nutrients
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Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health
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Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2023) | Viewed by 59258

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Roser Granero

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Guest Editor
Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Valles), Barcelona, Spain
Interests: eating disorders; behavioral addictions; methodology; clinical psychology; health sciences
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Fernando Fernández-Aranda

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL and CIBEROBN, Barcelona, Spain
Interests: eating disorders; obesity; psychotherapy; translational research; new technologies; comorbidities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Susana Jiménez-Murcia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Pathological Gambling Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: behavioral addictions; gambling disorder; gaming disorder; buying-shopping disorder; sex addiction; food addiction; interventions based on new technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Eating disorders (ED) are mental disorders with significant impact on physical–medical health (e.g., gastrointestinal, renal, or cardiovascular) and psychological wellbeing (adequate relationships with others, personal growth, or autonomy). The most frequent eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These three clinical conditions share an excessive focus on weight and body image, leading to dangerous eating styles that affect the body's ability to obtain adequate nutrition and cause clinical impairment in different areas of functioning.

The etiology of ED comprises a complex network of biological, psychological, and contextual–social factors. The onset of eating-related problems is usually during school-age and adolescence; however, the progression of the disorders evolves across the lifespan. Diverse phenotypes have been identified according to eating disorder subtypes, and it has been observed that the physio-pathological mechanisms underlying each behavioral profile can play a role in the treatment outcomes.

This Special Issue, “Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health”, aims to identify the underlying triggers of this complex dual comorbid condition, to establish orthogonal diagnostic criteria, and to differentiate the patterns of eating and addiction features (central symptoms). Manuscript submissions may include original research articles (clinical, translational, or basic research), systematic reviews, and meta-analysis. The new evidence of these studies can provide, from a multidisciplinary perspective, the basis for developing evidence-based intervention plans to meet the needs of patients with comorbid ED with BA.

Dr. Roser Granero
Prof. Dr. Fernando Fernández-Aranda
Dr. Susana Jiménez-Murcia
Guest Editors

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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. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2900 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 behavior
  • anorexia nervosa
  • bulimia nervosa
  • binge eating disorder
  • addictive disorders
  • addictive behavior
  • nutrition
  • evidence-based treatment
  • interventions
  • treatment
  • outcomes

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

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8 pages, 258 KiB  
Editorial
Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health
by Fernando Fernández-Aranda, Roser Granero and Susana Jiménez-Murcia
Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3718; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173718 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2641
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are mental health diseases characterized by dysfunctional eating patterns, including restrictive eating, avoidance of foods, binge eating, and compensative behaviors to avoid weight increases and promote thinness (purging, vomiting, laxative/diuretics misuse, and compulsive exercise) [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

14 pages, 1279 KiB  
Article
Attitudes, Behaviors, and Barriers among Adolescents Living with Obesity, Caregivers, and Healthcare Professionals in Spain: ACTION Teens Survey Study
by Juan Pedro López Siguero, Marta Ramon-Krauel, Gilberto Pérez López, Maria Victoria Buiza Fernández, Carla Assaf Balut and Fernando Fernández-Aranda
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 3005; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15133005 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2393
Abstract
Although the prevalence of pediatric obesity is rising, understanding of the perceptions, attitudes, behaviors, and barriers to effective obesity care among Spanish adolescents living with obesity (ALwO), their caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) is lacking. In 2021, the cross-sectional ACTION Teens survey study [...] Read more.
Although the prevalence of pediatric obesity is rising, understanding of the perceptions, attitudes, behaviors, and barriers to effective obesity care among Spanish adolescents living with obesity (ALwO), their caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) is lacking. In 2021, the cross-sectional ACTION Teens survey study was conducted in 10 countries; results from the Spanish cohort are presented herein. The survey was completed by 648 ALwO, 644 caregivers, and 251 HCPs in Spain. A total of 25% of ALwO and 43% of caregivers thought that their/their child’s weight was normal, and more caregivers than ALwO perceived the ALwO’s health to be at least good (95% vs. 59%, respectively). Only 53% of ALwO and 9% of caregivers reported receiving an obesity diagnosis, despite HCPs reporting they provide diagnoses to 87% of ALwO/caregivers. Although 65% of HCPs felt that ALwO may not be comfortable discussing weight, only 26% of ALwO who had discussed weight with an HCP (n = 488) reported not feeling comfortable. Inability to control hunger was a key barrier to ALwO losing weight identified by ALwO/caregivers, but not HCPs. Improved communication between the three groups, a better understanding of barriers to weight loss, and improved health education on obesity are needed in order to enhance obesity care in Spain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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16 pages, 657 KiB  
Article
Athletes with Eating Disorders: Analysis of Their Clinical Characteristics, Psychopathology and Response to Treatment
by Ana Ibáñez-Caparrós, Isabel Sánchez, Roser Granero, Susana Jiménez-Murcia, Magda Rosinska, Ansgar Thiel, Stephan Zipfel, Joan de Pablo, Lucia Camacho-Barcia and Fernando Fernandez-Aranda
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 3003; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15133003 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4481
Abstract
Eating disorders (ED) have frequently been described among athletes. However, their specific features and therapy responses are lacking in the literature. The aims of this article were to compare clinical, psychopathological and personality traits between ED patients who were professional athletes (ED-A) with [...] Read more.
Eating disorders (ED) have frequently been described among athletes. However, their specific features and therapy responses are lacking in the literature. The aims of this article were to compare clinical, psychopathological and personality traits between ED patients who were professional athletes (ED-A) with those who were not (ED-NA) and to explore differences in response to treatment. The sample comprised n = 104 patients with ED (n = 52 ED-A and n = 52 matched ED-NA) diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria. Evaluation consisted of a semi-structured face-to-face clinical interview conducted by expert clinicians and a psychometric battery. Treatment outcome was evaluated when the treatment program ended. ED-A patients showed less body dissatisfaction and psychological distress. No differences were found in treatment outcome among the groups. Within the ED-A group, those participants who performed individual sport activities and aesthetic sports presented higher eating psychopathology, more general psychopathology, differential personality traits and poor therapy outcome. Individual and aesthetic sports presented more severity and worse prognosis. Although usual treatment for ED might be similarly effective in ED-A and ED-NA, it might be important to develop preventive and early detection programs involving sports physicians and psychologists, coaches and family throughout the entire athletic career and afterwards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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10 pages, 577 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Bidirectional Predictive Pathways between Dietary Restraint and Food Addiction in Adolescents
by Julia M. Rios, Martha K. Berg and Ashley N. Gearhardt
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132977 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1887
Abstract
The relationship between food addiction, an important emerging construct of excessive eating pathology, and dietary restraint has yet to be fully understood. Eating disorder models commonly posit that dietary restraint exacerbates loss of control eating (e.g., binge episodes) and may also play a [...] Read more.
The relationship between food addiction, an important emerging construct of excessive eating pathology, and dietary restraint has yet to be fully understood. Eating disorder models commonly posit that dietary restraint exacerbates loss of control eating (e.g., binge episodes) and may also play a causal role in the development of food addiction. However, dietary restraint as a reaction to consequences of food addiction (e.g., uncontrollable eating or weight gain) represents another plausible pathway. Existing studies indicate that the association between food addiction and dietary restraint may be more significant during adolescence than adulthood, but are limited by cross-sectional study designs. A longitudinal study using an adolescent sample is ideal for investigating potential pathways underlying links between food addiction and dietary restraint. This study examined temporal pathways between food addiction and dietary restraint in a sample of one hundred twenty-seven adolescents (M = 14.8, SD = 1.1) at three timepoints spanning two years. This is the first study to examine longitudinal cross-lagged panel associations between food addiction and dietary restraint. In this adolescent sample, food addiction significantly predicted future dietary restraint (b = 0.25, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001), but dietary restraint did not significantly predict future food addiction (b = 0.06, SE = 0.05, p > 0.05). These findings support the theory that dietary restraint may be a reaction to deleterious effects of food addiction during adolescence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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12 pages, 342 KiB  
Article
The Role of Food Addiction and Lifetime Substance Use on Eating Disorder Treatment Outcomes
by Romina Miranda-Olivos, Zaida Agüera, Roser Granero, Susana Jiménez-Murcia, Montserrat Puig-Llobet, Maria Teresa Lluch-Canut, Ashley N. Gearhardt and Fernando Fernández-Aranda
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2919; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132919 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2675
Abstract
Food addiction (FA) and substance use (SU) in eating disorders (ED) have been associated with a more dysfunctional clinical and psychopathological profile. However, their impact on treatment outcomes has been poorly explored. Therefore, this transdiagnostic study is aimed at examining whether the presence [...] Read more.
Food addiction (FA) and substance use (SU) in eating disorders (ED) have been associated with a more dysfunctional clinical and psychopathological profile. However, their impact on treatment outcomes has been poorly explored. Therefore, this transdiagnostic study is aimed at examining whether the presence of FA and/or SU is associated with treatment outcomes in patients with different ED types. The results were not able to reveal significant differences in treatment outcomes between patients with and without FA and/or SU; however, the effect sizes suggest higher dropout rates in the group with both FA and SU. The predictive models of treatment outcomes showed different features associated with each group. High persistence (i.e., tendency to perseverance and inflexibility) was the personality trait most associated with poor treatment outcomes in patients without addictions. High harm avoidance and younger age at ED onset were the variables most related to poor outcomes in patients with FA or SU. Finally, in the group with both addictive behaviors (FA and SU), the younger patients presented the poorest outcomes. In conclusion, our results suggest that, regardless of presenting addictive behaviors, patients with ED may similarly benefit from treatment. However, it may be important to consider the differential predictors of each group that might guide certain treatment targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
13 pages, 1254 KiB  
Article
Conditioning by a Previous Experience Impairs the Rewarding Value of a Comfort Meal
by Adoracion Nieto, Dan M. Livovsky and Fernando Azpiroz
Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2247; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102247 - 9 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1855
Abstract
Background. Meal ingestion induces a postprandial experience that involves homeostatic and hedonic sensations. Our aim was to determine the effect of aversive conditioning on the postprandial reward of a comfort meal. Methods: A sham-controlled, randomised, parallel, single-blind study was performed on 12 healthy [...] Read more.
Background. Meal ingestion induces a postprandial experience that involves homeostatic and hedonic sensations. Our aim was to determine the effect of aversive conditioning on the postprandial reward of a comfort meal. Methods: A sham-controlled, randomised, parallel, single-blind study was performed on 12 healthy women (6 per group). A comfort meal was tested before and after coupling the meal with an aversive sensation (conditioning intervention), induced by infusion of lipids via a thin naso-duodenal catheter; in the pre- and post-conditioning tests and in the control group, a sham infusion was performed. Participants were instructed that two recipes of a tasty humus would be tested; however, the same meal was administered with a colour additive in the conditioning and post-conditioning tests. Digestive well-being (primary outcome) was measured every 10 min before and 60 min after ingestion using graded scales. Results: In the aversive conditioning group, the comfort meal in the pre-conditioning test induced a pleasant postprandial experience, which was significantly lower in the post-conditioning test; the effect of aversive conditioning (change from pre- to post-conditioning) was significant as compared to sham conditioning in the control group, which showed no differences between study days. Conclusion: The hedonic postprandial response to a comfort meal in healthy women is impaired by aversive conditioning. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04938934. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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16 pages, 988 KiB  
Article
Underlying Mechanisms Involved in Gambling Disorder Severity: A Pathway Analysis Considering Genetic, Psychosocial, and Clinical Variables
by Neus Solé-Morata, Isabel Baenas, Mikel Etxandi, Roser Granero, Manel Gené, Carme Barrot, Mónica Gómez-Peña, Laura Moragas, Nicolas Ramoz, Philip Gorwood, Fernando Fernández-Aranda and Susana Jiménez-Murcia
Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020418 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4842
Abstract
Gambling Disorder (GD) has a complex etiology that involves biological and environmental aspects. From a genetic perspective, neurotrophic factors (NTFs) polymorphisms have been associated with the risk of developing GD. The aim of this study was to assess the underlying mechanisms implicated in [...] Read more.
Gambling Disorder (GD) has a complex etiology that involves biological and environmental aspects. From a genetic perspective, neurotrophic factors (NTFs) polymorphisms have been associated with the risk of developing GD. The aim of this study was to assess the underlying mechanisms implicated in GD severity by considering the direct and mediational relationship between different variables including genetic, psychological, socio-demographic, and clinical factors. To do so, we used genetic variants that were significantly associated with an increased risk for GD and evaluated its relationship with GD severity through pathway analysis. We found that the interaction between these genetic variants and other different biopsychological features predicted a higher severity of GD. On the one hand, the presence of haplotype block 2, interrelated with haplotype block 3, was linked to a more dysfunctional personality profile and a worse psychopathological state, which, in turn, had a direct link with GD severity. On the other hand, having rs3763614 predicted higher general psychopathology and therefore, higher GD severity. The current study described the presence of complex interactions between biopsychosocial variables previously associated with the etiopathogenesis and severity of GD, while also supporting the involvement of genetic variants from the NTF family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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15 pages, 2124 KiB  
Article
The Association of Perceived Vulnerability to Disease with Cognitive Restraint and Compensatory Behaviors
by Lindzey V. Hoover, Joshua M. Ackerman, Jenna R. Cummings and Ashley N. Gearhardt
Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010008 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2775
Abstract
Individual differences exist in perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD). PVD is associated with negative responses (e.g., disgust) towards individuals with obesity and heightened sensitivity regarding personal appearance. Through increasing fear of fat (FOF), PVD may be associated with cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors. [...] Read more.
Individual differences exist in perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD). PVD is associated with negative responses (e.g., disgust) towards individuals with obesity and heightened sensitivity regarding personal appearance. Through increasing fear of fat (FOF), PVD may be associated with cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors. We utilized an adult sample (n = 247; 53.3% male sex assigned at birth) recruited through Amazon’s MTurk prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to investigate associations between PVD, cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors. Participants completed the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Scale, Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale, Dutch Eating Behaviors Questionnaire, and Goldfarb’s Fear of Fat Scale. Mediation analyses were used to test our hypotheses. Perceived infectability (PVD-Infection) was associated with cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors through increased FOF. Perceived germ aversion (PVD–Germ) was associated with cognitive restraint, but FOF did not mediate this association. Sex-stratified analyses revealed no significant sex differences. PVD may be an overlooked factor associated with cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors in males and females. FOF was an important mediating factor in these associations. Increased engagement in cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors may reflect attempts to reduce FOF. Future longitudinal research should explore whether PVD is a risk factor for cognitive restraint and compensatory behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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16 pages, 805 KiB  
Article
Are Signals Regulating Energy Homeostasis Related to Neuropsychological and Clinical Features of Gambling Disorder? A Case–Control Study
by Mikel Etxandi, Isabel Baenas, Bernat Mora-Maltas, Roser Granero, Fernando Fernández-Aranda, Sulay Tovar, Neus Solé-Morata, Ignacio Lucas, Sabela Casado, Mónica Gómez-Peña, Laura Moragas, Amparo del Pino-Gutiérrez, Ester Codina, Eduardo Valenciano-Mendoza, Marc N. Potenza, Carlos Diéguez and Susana Jiménez-Murcia
Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5084; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235084 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3437
Abstract
Gambling disorder (GD) is a modestly prevalent and severe condition for which neurobiology is not yet fully understood. Although alterations in signals involved in energy homeostasis have been studied in substance use disorders, they have yet to be examined in detail in GD. [...] Read more.
Gambling disorder (GD) is a modestly prevalent and severe condition for which neurobiology is not yet fully understood. Although alterations in signals involved in energy homeostasis have been studied in substance use disorders, they have yet to be examined in detail in GD. The aims of the present study were to compare different endocrine and neuropsychological factors between individuals with GD and healthy controls (HC) and to explore endocrine interactions with neuropsychological and clinical variables. A case–control design was performed in 297 individuals with GD and 41 individuals without (healthy controls; HCs), assessed through a semi-structured clinical interview and a psychometric battery. For the evaluation of endocrine and anthropometric variables, 38 HCs were added to the 41 HCs initially evaluated. Individuals with GD presented higher fasting plasma ghrelin (p < 0.001) and lower LEAP2 and adiponectin concentrations (p < 0.001) than HCs, after adjusting for body mass index (BMI). The GD group reported higher cognitive impairment regarding cognitive flexibility and decision-making strategies, a worse psychological state, higher impulsivity levels, and a more dysfunctional personality profile. Despite failing to find significant associations between endocrine factors and either neuropsychological or clinical aspects in the GD group, some impaired cognitive dimensions (i.e., WAIS Vocabulary test and WCST Perseverative errors) and lower LEAP2 concentrations statistically predicted GD presence. The findings from the present study suggest that distinctive neuropsychological and endocrine dysfunctions may operate in individuals with GD and predict GD presence. Further exploration of endophenotypic vulnerability pathways in GD appear warranted, especially with respect to etiological and therapeutic potentials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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12 pages, 786 KiB  
Article
Impact of Impulsivity and Therapy Response in Eating Disorders from a Neurophysiological, Personality and Cognitive Perspective
by Giulia Testa, Roser Granero, Alejandra Misiolek, Cristina Vintró-Alcaraz, Núria Mallorqui-Bagué, Maria Lozano-Madrid, Misericordia Veciana De Las Heras, Isabel Sánchez, Susana Jiménez-Murcia and Fernando Fernández-Aranda
Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5011; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235011 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2506
Abstract
Impulsivity, as a multidimensional construct, has been linked to eating disorders (EDs) and may negatively impact treatment response. The study aimed to identify the dimensions of impulsivity predicting poor remission of ED symptoms. A total of 37 ED patients underwent a baseline assessment [...] Read more.
Impulsivity, as a multidimensional construct, has been linked to eating disorders (EDs) and may negatively impact treatment response. The study aimed to identify the dimensions of impulsivity predicting poor remission of ED symptoms. A total of 37 ED patients underwent a baseline assessment of impulsive personality traits and inhibitory control, including the Stroop task and the emotional go/no-go task with event-related potentials (ERPs) analysis. The remission of EDs symptomatology was evaluated after 3 months of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and at a 2-year follow-up. Poor remission after CBT was predicted by poor inhibitory control, as measured by the Stroop task. At 2 years, the risk of poor remission was higher in patients with higher novelty seeking, lower inhibitory control in the Stroop and in ERPs indices (N2 amplitudes) during the emotional go/no-go task. The present results highlight inhibitory control negatively impacting both short- and long-term symptomatology remission in ED patients. On the other hand, high novelty seeking and ERPs indices of poor inhibition seem to be more specifically related to long-term remission. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the impulsivity dimension in patients with ED is recommended to tailor treatments and improve their efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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13 pages, 313 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Emotional Eating in Groups of Students with Varied Diets and Physical Activity in Poland
by Mateusz Grajek, Karolina Krupa-Kotara, Agnieszka Białek-Dratwa, Wiktoria Staśkiewicz, Mateusz Rozmiarek, Ewa Misterska and Krzysztof Sas-Nowosielski
Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3289; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163289 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5247
Abstract
Background: Emotional eating (EE) is not a separate eating disorder, but rather a type of behavior within a group of various eating behaviors that are influenced by habits, stress, emotions, and individual attitudes toward eating. The relationship between eating and emotions can be [...] Read more.
Background: Emotional eating (EE) is not a separate eating disorder, but rather a type of behavior within a group of various eating behaviors that are influenced by habits, stress, emotions, and individual attitudes toward eating. The relationship between eating and emotions can be considered on two parallel levels: psychological and physiological. In the case of the psychological response, stress generates a variety of bodily responses relating to coping with stress. Objective: Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the prevalence of emotional eating in groups of students in health-related and non-health-related fields in terms of their differential health behaviors—diet and physical activity levels. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional survey study included 300 individuals representing two groups of students distinguished by their fields of study—one group was in health-related fields (HRF) and the other was in non-health-related fields (NRF). The study used standardized questionnaires: the PSS-10 and TFEQ-13. Results: The gender of the subjects was as follows: women, 60.0% (174 subjects) (HRF: 47.1%, n= 82; NRF: 52.9%, n = 92); men, 40.0% (116 subjects) (HRF: 53.4%, n = 62; NRF: 46.6%, n = 54). The age of the subjects was 26 years (±2 years). Based on the results of the TFEQ-13, among 120 subjects (41.4%) there were behaviors consistent with limiting food intake (HRF: 72.4%; NRF: 11.0%), while 64 subjects (20.7%) were characterized by a lack of control over food intake (HRF: 13.8%, 20 subjects; NRF: 27.4%, 20 subjects). Emotional eating was characteristic of 106 students (37.9%), with the NRF group dominating (61.6%, n = 90). It was observed that a high PSS-10 score is mainly characteristic of individuals who exhibit EE. Conclusions: The results obtained in the study indicate that lifestyle can have a real impact on the development of emotional eating problems. Individuals who are characterized by elevated BMI values, unhealthy diets, low rates of physical activity, who underestimate meal size in terms of weight and calories, and have high-stress feelings are more likely to develop emotional eating. These results also indicate that further research in this area should be undertaken to indicate whether the relationships shown can be generalized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
10 pages, 266 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Prevalence of Eating Disorders among Dietetics Students and Students of Other Fields of Study at Selected Universities (Silesia, Poland)
by Aneta Matusik, Mateusz Grajek, Patryk Szlacheta and Ilona Korzonek-Szlacheta
Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3210; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153210 - 5 Aug 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4029
Abstract
Background: Over the past few years, an increase in the incidence of eating disorders has been noted. An increase in the pace of life, an increase in the availability of a wide variety of food products, and, to a large extent, the involvement [...] Read more.
Background: Over the past few years, an increase in the incidence of eating disorders has been noted. An increase in the pace of life, an increase in the availability of a wide variety of food products, and, to a large extent, the involvement of mass media are cited as reasons for this phenomenon. The promotion of a slim figure by the mass media is equated with achieving success in life, but also the advertising of a wide selection of food products (often highly processed) can have a serious impact on the development of eating disorders. This phenomenon is particularly observed in industrialized Western countries. Objective: Therefore, it was decided to test and compare whether dietetics students are indeed more predisposed to developing eating disorders than students not in the nutrition field. Material and methods: the study included 310 individuals representing two equal groups of fields of study—dietetics and other students. The study used standardized questionnaire—EAT-26. Results: It was found that almost half (46%) of the respondents (both dietetics students and students of other majors) met at least one criterion out of three that could indicate the probable existence or susceptibility to an eating disorder. These individuals should see a specialist for further diagnosis. There was no significant effect of the field of study on the overall EAT-26 test score (p > 0.05). When this result was corrected for BMI values for those with the lowest scores on this indicator, the risk of eating disorders was found to be higher among students of majors other than dietetics (X2 = 13.572; V = 0.831 p = 0.001). Conclusions: Almost half of the respondents in both study groups showed a predisposition to eating disorders based on the EAT-26 test. Despite the presence of a correlation in individual responses that dietetics students are more predisposed to eating disorders, no such relationship was found according to the final EAT-26 test scores. However, it was observed that non-dietetics students who had low BMI values showed higher tendencies toward behaviors indicative of eating disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
12 pages, 507 KiB  
Article
Eating Disorders and Intimate Partner Violence: The Influence of Fear of Loneliness and Social Withdrawal
by Janire Momeñe, Ana Estévez, Mark D. Griffiths, Patricia Macía, Marta Herrero, Leticia Olave and Itziar Iruarrizaga
Nutrients 2022, 14(13), 2611; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132611 - 24 Jun 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5177
Abstract
Eating disorders are vulnerability factors that increase the likelihood of intimate partner violence. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. Although eating disorders have been associated with increased perception and fear of loneliness, they have also been associated with increased social withdrawal [...] Read more.
Eating disorders are vulnerability factors that increase the likelihood of intimate partner violence. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. Although eating disorders have been associated with increased perception and fear of loneliness, they have also been associated with increased social withdrawal resulting from decreased enjoyment of social situations and poorer social functioning. The purpose of the present study was to examine the mediating role of fear of loneliness in the relationship between the behavioural characteristics of eating disorders and intimate partner violence, as well as to explore the moderating role of social withdrawal in the relationship between fear of loneliness and intimate partner violence. The sample comprised 683 participants (78% female and 22% male) with a mean age of 21.14 years (SD = 2.72). The psychometric scales used were Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI 2), Emotional Dependency Questionnaire (EDQ), Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI) and the Violence Received, Exercised and Perceived in Youth and Adolescent Dating Relationships Scale (VREPS). The hypothesised model was tested by path analysis using maximum likelihood. The path analysis of the hypothesised model showed that inefficacy, fear of maturity, and impulsivity were the behavioural characteristics of eating disorders predominantly related to fear of loneliness. Fear of loneliness had no direct significant effect on any of the received violence variables. However, interaction effects indicated that there was a moderately significant effect of fear of loneliness on physical, psychological, and social violence received as a function of levels of social withdrawal. These findings show the need to take into account and work on fear of loneliness and social withdrawal among individuals with an eating disorder to decrease the likelihood of establishing violent intimate partner relationships. Improving interpersonal functioning and social support is key to recovery from eating disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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Review

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20 pages, 770 KiB  
Review
Binge-Eating Precursors in Children and Adolescents: Neurodevelopment, and the Potential Contribution of Ultra-Processed Foods
by Esther Via and Oren Contreras-Rodríguez
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2994; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132994 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 8883
Abstract
Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a highly prevalent disorder. Subthreshold BED conditions (sBED) are even more frequent in youth, but their significance regarding BED etiology and long-term prognosis is unclear. A better understanding of brain findings associated with BED and sBED, in the context [...] Read more.
Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a highly prevalent disorder. Subthreshold BED conditions (sBED) are even more frequent in youth, but their significance regarding BED etiology and long-term prognosis is unclear. A better understanding of brain findings associated with BED and sBED, in the context of critical periods for neurodevelopment, is relevant to answer such questions. The present narrative review starts from the knowledge of the development of emotional self-regulation in youth, and the brain circuits supporting emotion-regulation and eating behaviour. Next, neuroimaging studies with sBED and BED samples will be reviewed, and their brain-circuitry overlap will be examined. Deficits in inhibition control systems are observed to precede, and hyperactivity of reward regions to characterize, sBED, with overlapping findings in BED. The imbalance between reward/inhibition systems, and the implication of interoception/homeostatic processing brain systems should be further examined. Recent knowledge of the potential impact that the high consumption of ultra-processed foods in paediatric samples may have on these sBED/BED-associated brain systems is then discussed. There is a need to identify, early on, those sBED individuals at risk of developing BED at neurodevelopmental stages when there is a great possibility of prevention. However, more neuroimaging studies with sBED/BED pediatric samples are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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17 pages, 1451 KiB  
Review
Potential Biological Markers and Treatment Implications for Binge Eating Disorder and Behavioral Addictions
by Gemma Mestre-Bach and Marc N. Potenza
Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040827 - 6 Feb 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4505
Abstract
The reward system is highly relevant to behavioral addictions such as gambling disorder (GD), internet gaming disorder (IGD), and food addiction/binge eating disorder (FA/BED). Among other brain regions, the ventral striatum (VS) has been implicated in reward processing. The main objective of the [...] Read more.
The reward system is highly relevant to behavioral addictions such as gambling disorder (GD), internet gaming disorder (IGD), and food addiction/binge eating disorder (FA/BED). Among other brain regions, the ventral striatum (VS) has been implicated in reward processing. The main objective of the present state-of-the-art review was to explore in depth the specific role of the VS in GD, IGD and FA/BED, understanding it as a possible biomarker of these conditions. Studies analyzing brain changes following interventions for these disorders, and especially those that had explored possible treatment-related changes in VS, are discussed. More evidence is needed on how existing treatments (both pharmacological and psychobehavioral) for behavioral addictions affect the activation of the VS and related circuitry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Human Health)
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