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Nutrients
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Research on Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image
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Research on Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 June 2026 | Viewed by 11851

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Antonio Cepeda-Benito

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 358 Dewey Hall, Burlington, VT, USA
Interests: body image; food cravings; cue reactivity; weight stigma; smoking stigma; ultra-processed foods; food addiction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Call for Papers: Special Issue on Research in Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image

Eating disorders, physical activity, and body image are intricately connected components of mental and physical health, yet their intricate interactions continue to be the focus of active research. This Special Issue aims to explore new perspectives and empirical findings that enhance our understanding of how these areas intersect across various populations and contexts.

We invite the submission of original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and theoretical papers addressing the following topics:

  • The impact of physical activity on risk, development, and recovery from eating disorders.
  • Sociocultural, psychological, and biological factors that influence the relationship between body image and eating behaviors.
  • Disordered eating patterns among athletes and physically active populations.
  • Prevention and intervention strategies targeting eating disorders, exercise addiction, and body dissatisfaction.
  • Cross-cultural and lifespan perspectives on body image, physical activity, and eating disorders.
  • Research on body image, eating disorders, and physical activity in diverse populations, including men, women, non-binary, transgender, heterosexual, and non-heterosexual individuals.

This Special Issue aims to collate research from psychology, public health, sports science, nutrition, and related fields to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and advance the field. We welcome contributions that employ qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches, along with innovative theoretical and methodological perspectives.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Cepeda-Benito
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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
  • body image
  • physical activity
  • nutrition
  • psychology

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 469 KB  
Article
Maternal Eating Styles and Restrictive Feeding Practices: Indirect Effects Through Perceived Child Appetite and Weight Concern
by Carla Ugarte Pérez, Claudia Cruzat Mandich, Camila Oda-Montecinos, Fernanda Díaz Castrillón, Álvaro Quiñones Bergeret and Antonio Cepeda-Benito
Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3933; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243933 - 16 Dec 2025
Viewed by 702
Abstract
Background: Parents play a central role in shaping children’s eating behaviors. While previous research has documented associations between parental attitudes and feeding practices, fewer studies have examined how mothers’ own eating styles may contribute to their perceptions of their children’s eating attitudes and [...] Read more.
Background: Parents play a central role in shaping children’s eating behaviors. While previous research has documented associations between parental attitudes and feeding practices, fewer studies have examined how mothers’ own eating styles may contribute to their perceptions of their children’s eating attitudes and behaviors and how these may influence subsequent feeding practices. Objectives: To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine whether mothers’ eating styles predicted their self-reported restrictive feeding practices indirectly through their perceptions of their children’s appetite and subsequently through their concern about their children’s weight. Methods: A total of 488 mothers (M_age = 33.87 years, SD = 4.81, range = 20–49) of children aged 2–7 years (M_age = 3.85 years, SD = 1.33) completed self-report measures, including the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) for maternal eating styles, the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) for parental concerns and restrictive practices, and the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) for perceptions of child eating attitudes. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized mediation model, with model fit evaluated using CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR indices. Results: Our proposed model demonstrated good fit (CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.07) and showed that maternal eating styles were positively associated with perceived child appetite (β = 0.44, p < 0.001). Perceived appetite predicted both maternal concern about child weight (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and restrictive feeding practices (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), while maternal concern strongly predicted restriction (β = 0.65, p < 0.001). The total indirect effect from maternal eating styles to restriction was significant (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), and the model explained 56% of the variance in restrictive feeding. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that maternal eating styles may bias mothers’ perceptions of their children’s appetite and indirectly influence restrictive feeding practices primarily through increased concern about child weight. Given the cross-sectional design, reliance on maternal self-report, and online convenience sampling, results should be interpreted cautiously. Nonetheless, the study provides the first evidence for a sequential pathway linking maternal eating styles, child appetite perceptions, and weight concern to restrictive feeding, highlighting cognitive and perceptual processes as intervention targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image)
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14 pages, 283 KB  
Article
Exploring Maladaptive Eating Behaviors and Quality of Life in Those with Bowel Diseases
by Lauren Kness and Virginia Quick
Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3738; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233738 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 753
Abstract
Background: Young adults with bowel conditions—such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases—often experience poor quality of life, which may be influenced by their disease management, including eating behaviors. This study aimed to explore maladaptive eating behaviors and quality of life among [...] Read more.
Background: Young adults with bowel conditions—such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases—often experience poor quality of life, which may be influenced by their disease management, including eating behaviors. This study aimed to explore maladaptive eating behaviors and quality of life among young adults diagnosed with bowel conditions (IBS, Crohn’s, and Ulcerative Colitis), stratified by gender. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey assessing Quality of Life (QOL) and maladaptive eating behaviors (EDE-Q, TFEQ-18) was conducted in 73 young adults with bowel conditions (70% women; mean age 25.16 ± 2.94 years) in 2022/2023. Results: Participants reported an average of 10.72 ± 7.46 SD physically or mentally unhealthy days in the past month, indicating poor perceived health status. Mean EDE-Q global scores were higher than published normative data for healthy young adults (men: 2.49 ± 1.26 SD vs. 0.95 ± 0.98 SD; women: 2.30 ± 1.12 SD vs. 1.65 ± 1.30 SD). Mann–Whitney U tests revealed no significant gender differences in QOL or EDE-Q scores. However, men (n = 22) reported self-induced vomiting (68.18% vs. 29.41%) and medicine misuse (63.64% vs. 37.25%) ≥ 4 times in the past month at a higher proportion than women (n = 51). After controlling for age at diagnosis, the Global EDE-Q score was positively associated with QOL Global score (rpartial = 0.534, p < 0.001) and with the number of unhealthy days reported in the past month (rpartial = 0.452, p < 0.001) indicating a relationship of moderate strength. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential value of incorporating routine screening for eating disorder risk into the medical treatment of young adults with bowel conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image)
24 pages, 316 KB  
Article
Orthorexia Nervosa Tendencies in Two Cohorts of Polish Young Adults: A Comparative Analysis of Prevalence, Correlates, and Comorbidity
by Izabela Łucka, Artur Mazur, Anna Łucka, Julia Trojniak and Marta Kopańska
Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132208 - 2 Jul 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1224
Abstract
Background: The rising focus on dietary choices has contributed to maladaptive eating patterns, including orthorexia nervosa (ON)—a pathological preoccupation with healthy eating. This study investigated ON prevalence and correlates in two Polish young adult cohorts to address inconsistencies in the existing literature and [...] Read more.
Background: The rising focus on dietary choices has contributed to maladaptive eating patterns, including orthorexia nervosa (ON)—a pathological preoccupation with healthy eating. This study investigated ON prevalence and correlates in two Polish young adult cohorts to address inconsistencies in the existing literature and ON’s ambiguous nosological status. We explored its complex interplay with specific lifestyle and sociodemographic factors. Methods: The study sample consisted of 412 young adults, comprising Group 1 (G1; n = 136; 95 women, 38 men, and 3 non-binary individuals) and Group 2 (G2; n = 264; 194 women, 65 men, and 5 non-binary individuals). Data collection utilized a proprietary questionnaire for sociodemographic and health, the ORTO-15 questionnaire (cut-off < 35 points) for ON risk, and the EAT-26 for eating disorder (ED) risk. Depression was self-assessed. An analysis of sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle data was conducted to explore the association with orthorexia risk. Results: ON risk was identified in 26.5% of participants in G1 and 76.8% in G2. Logistic regression analysis identified different, independent predictors of ON risk for each group. In G1, these were depressive symptoms (OR = 2.52) and a co-occurring risk of eating disorders (ED) (OR = 11.37). In contrast, for G2, the predictors were smoking (OR = 2.14) and, inversely, a lower ED risk (OR = 0.16). No consistent associations were found with ON risk and age, gender, education, residence, or occupational status. Conclusions: This study confirms a strong link between ON and other eating disorders. The high ON prevalence in G2, combined with low internal consistency of ORTO-15, suggests tool limitations in specific populations. These findings highlight the need for more precise ON diagnostic tools and further research into its correlates, including body image, specific lifestyle factors, and its role within eating pathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image)

Review

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26 pages, 656 KB  
Review
Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1 Usage and Appetite Regulation in the Context of Eating Disorders and Psychosocial Processes
by Isabel Krug, An Binh Dang, Jade Portingale, Yakun Li and Ying Qing Won
Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3735; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233735 - 28 Nov 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7839
Abstract
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed treatment for higher weight and diabetes. Because they also influence appetite and reward processes, these medications may shape eating behaviours, emotions, and body image, raising new challenges for eating disorder (ED) research and clinical care. [...] Read more.
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed treatment for higher weight and diabetes. Because they also influence appetite and reward processes, these medications may shape eating behaviours, emotions, and body image, raising new challenges for eating disorder (ED) research and clinical care. This narrative review synthesises emerging evidence on the psychological and behavioural effects of GLP-1RA use within a biopsychosocial and equity framework. Method: Using a narrative, non-systematic approach, we conducted targeted searches across major databases (2015–September 2025) with combined GLP-1RA and psychological or ED-related terms, supplemented by cross-referencing. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical, theoretical, and clinically meaningful psychological, behavioural, and sociocultural outcomes, enabling a conceptually driven synthesis of the psychological effects of GLP-1RA use. Results: GLP-1RAs reduce hunger and binge-eating frequency, suggesting possible benefits for binge-type EDs. However, evidence for restrictive EDs remains limited, and appetite suppression may reinforce rigid control or perfectionistic traits. Although short-term reductions in emotional eating have been reported, the long-term psychological safety of GLP-1RAs is unknown. Rapid, medication-driven weight loss may disrupt body perception, while social media discourse glamorises thinness and intensifies stigma. These psychosocial effects intersect with inequities in access, disproportionately affecting adolescents and individuals from culturally diverse or socioeconomically marginalised groups. Conclusions: GLP-1RAs sit at the intersection of medical innovation and psychological risk. To ensure safe and inclusive use, research and clinical practice should integrate developmental, cultural, and lived-experience perspectives. Co-designed research and multidisciplinary monitoring will be essential to reduce stigma, address inequities, and support psychologically informed care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image)
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Other

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9 pages, 214 KB  
Brief Report
Body Weight Perception and Eating Attitudes Among Polish Midwives with Overweight and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Aleksandra Łopatkiewicz, Olga Barbarska, Iwona Kiersnowska, Beata Guzak and Edyta Krzych-Fałta
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010144 - 1 Jan 2026
Viewed by 519
Abstract
Background: Midwives, despite their health-promoting role, face factors that may disrupt eating behaviours and weight regulation. Little is known about their body weight perception or disordered eating attitudes (DEAs). This study assessed body weight perception and eating attitudes across BMI categories among Polish [...] Read more.
Background: Midwives, despite their health-promoting role, face factors that may disrupt eating behaviours and weight regulation. Little is known about their body weight perception or disordered eating attitudes (DEAs). This study assessed body weight perception and eating attitudes across BMI categories among Polish midwives. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 568 midwives was conducted. BMI was calculated from self-reported measures and classified according to WHO criteria. Body weight perception was assessed using discrepancies between actual and ideal body weight and between self-perceived ideal body weight and ideal body weight. Long-term weight variability was additionally evaluated using the difference between maximum and minimum adult body weight. Eating attitudes were examined using the Polish version of the EAT-26. Group differences were analysed with the Kruskal–Wallis and χ2 tests. Results: Among the participants, 62.9% had normal weight, 23.4% were overweight, and 13.7% were obese. Perceived ideal body weight increased with BMI (p < 0.001). Midwives with overweight and obesity demonstrated higher EAT-26 scores than those with normal BMI, with EAT-26 > 20 observed in 8.3% of overweight and 14.1% of obese participants (p = 0.010). Overweight and obese midwives also showed larger discrepancies between actual and ideal body weight and greater lifetime weight variability, and these groups simultaneously presented higher levels of disturbed eating attitudes. Emotional eating, binge-type episodes, and dieting behaviours were more common among overweight and obese participants, while calorie awareness remained consistently high across groups. Conclusions: Midwives with excess body weight often misperceive their body size and show an elevated risk of DEA. Weight perception appears more strongly related to maladaptive eating patterns than BMI alone. These findings highlight the need for targeted, non-stigmatising interventions addressing weight perception, eating attitudes, and occupational stressors, which may support both midwives’ well-being and their professional effectiveness in delivering nutrition and lifestyle counselling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image)
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