Self-Esteem and Anxiety as Mediators in the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Eating Disorder Symptoms.

This study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and eating disorder symptoms (EDS) by testing the serial mediation model, with self-esteem and anxiety as mediators. A total of 923 participants (61.9% female) aged 15-60 years completed questionnaires assessing their EI, self-esteem, anxiety, and EDS. Correlational analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between the study variables, and a serial mediation analysis was conducted to test the possible mediating role of self-esteem and anxiety in the relationship between EI and EDS. Correlation analyses revealed significant bivariate relationships between EI, self-esteem, and anxiety, but no significant correlation between EI and EDS. The relationship between EI and EDS was serially mediated by self-esteem and anxiety. High levels of EI were associated with higher self-esteem, which, in turn, was associated with lower anxiety and less EDS. The results offer potential mechanisms that could explain the relationship between EI and EDS and highlight the importance of EI in regulating eating behavior through self-esteem and anxiety.

Increased Prevalence of Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with disordered eating/eating disorders, but prior meta-analyses are limited by small numbers. OBJECTIVE: To inform the 2023 International PCOS Guideline, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the prevalence of disordered eating/eating disorders among women with and without PCOS. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and All EMB were searched from inception through February 1, 2024, for studies that compared prevalences of eating disordered/disordered eating in adolescent or adult women. Random effects meta-analyses were used to estimate the pooled odds ratios (OR) or standardized mean differences (SMD) of outcomes in women with PCOS compared to controls. Methodological quality was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system, and included studies were assessed for risk of bias. RESULTS: Of 1352 articles identified, 20 were included, with a total of 28 922 women with PCOS and 258 619 controls. Individuals with PCOS had higher odds of any eating disorder (OR: 1.53 [1.29, 1.82], 8 studies), which persisted in studies where PCOS was diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria (OR: 2.88 [1.55, 5.34], 4 studies). Odds of bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and disordered eating, but not anorexia nervosa, were increased in PCOS. Mean disordered eating scores were higher in PCOS (SMD: 0.52 [0.28, 0.77], 13 studies), including when stratified by normal and higher weight body mass index. Most included studies were of moderate quality, with no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION: Our study informs the 2023 PCOS Guideline recommendations for consideration of the risk of disordered eating/ eating disorders in care of women with PCOS, regardless of weight, especially during providing lifestyle counseling.

Helpful or Not? A Qualitative Study on Female Adolescents' Experience of TikTok When Recovering From Anorexia Nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: The scientific literature reports on how social media potentially influences eating disorders, although there is a large gap in the specific case of TikToks influence of adolescent's recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN). Our study uses in-depth interviews with female adolescents primarily suffering from AN to explore how they perceive the social media platform TikTok in relation to their recovery. METHOD: A total of 14 interviews with female adolescents recovering from AN were conducted and analyzed with reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: We developed four distinct main themes: social connectivity, algorithmic engagement, regulation and adaptation, and personal agency and recovery pathways. Our findings indicate both potential benefits and harm by TikTok use when in recovery from AN, depending on a complex interplay of individual and contextual factors. DISCUSSION: The study adds nuance to the on-going scientific debate on the role that TikTok plays in recovery from AN in general from the perspective provided by female adolescents. Suggestions are made for clinical implications at adolescent AN outpatient care including parental or professional support in TikTok adaptations and advice on how to discern when use may be triggering or supportive. Future research would benefit from longitudinal designs and inclusion of how individual differences, such as gender and personality, influence the effects on recovery and TikTok use.

The effect of cinnamon supplementation on eating disorder indices among people suffering from binge eating disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Binge eating disorder is one of the main eating disorders that is characterized by recurrent binge eating episodes that lead to complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc. Many psychological and biological factors can lead to binge eating disorder and one of the main physiological reasons is insulin resistance. Cinnamon is an old favorite that has positive effects on insulin sensitivity. So, we examined the effect of cinnamon on binge eating disorder in this study. METHODS: This study was conducted on 40 binge eating disorder patients with a BMI between 25 and 39.9 kg/m2. They were divided into two groups one of them consumed 6 g of cinnamon per day while the other group consumed 6 g of white wheat as a placebo. Before and after the study we examined weight, height, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and Binge Eating Scale (BES) scale in all participants and did the statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, gender, height, weight, BMI, education, and marriage status between the two groups. There were no significant changes between BSQ, BES, weight, and height after the study either. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, although the weight of the patients in the cinnamon group decreased significantly, after the end of the study, no significant difference was observed in the weight, BMI, and BAS and BSQ indices between the two groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered in the Iran Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) center (IRCT code: IRCT20090822002365N26, Registration date: 2021/11/7).

Eating disorder risks and psychopathological distress in Italian high school adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Psychopathological disorders are often comorbid diagnosis in eating disorders (EDs). We aimed to assess the presence of psychopathological traits and symptoms associated with EDs in an Italian high school adolescent population. METHODS: A sample of high school adolescents was enrolled, and demographic and clinical data were collected. Two self-report questionnaires, the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Psychopathology in Adolescence (Q-PAD), were administered. RESULTS: 548 adolescents (333 F/215 M; 16.89 ± 0.85 years) were included. Symptoms associated with EDs of clinical or high clinical concern were prevalent in a range of individuals, with percentages varying from 26.82% for body dissatisfaction to 51.83% for Interoceptive Deficits. The findings from the Q-PAD assessment indicated the presence of psychological distress, leading to discomfort or challenging situations requiring potential intervention in a percentage of adolescents ranging from 2.93% for psychosocial risks to 23.77% for anxiety. These percentages showed differences between genders (F > M, p < 0.001). Our study also highlighted an association between symptoms of EDs and lifestyle factors within families. We observed correlations between Q-PAD measures and EDI-3 scores, including a positive correlation between Q-PAD and EDI-3 body dissatisfaction (r = 0.7), Q-PAD interpersonal conflicts and EDI-3 interpersonal problems (r = 0.6) and a negative correlation between Q-PAD self-esteem and well-being and EDI-3 ineffectiveness Composite (r=-0.7). CONCLUSIONS: a substantial prevalence of ED symptoms and psychological distress among high school adolescents were recorded. These conditions are interrelated, suggesting the importance of addressing them comprehensively. Early detection is essential to improve treatment outcomes and to implement preventive strategies.

Oculomotor behaviors in youth with an eating disorder: findings from a video-based eye tracking task.

BACKGROUND: The oculomotor circuit spans many cortical and subcortical areas that have been implicated in psychiatric disease. This, combined with previous findings, suggests that eye tracking may be a useful method to investigate eating disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to assess oculomotor behaviors in youth with and without an eating disorder. METHODS: Female youth with and without an eating disorder completed a structured task involving randomly interleaved pro-saccade (toward at a stimulus) and anti-saccade (away from stimulus) trials with video-based eye tracking. Differences in saccades (rapid eye movements between two points), eye blinks and pupil were examined. RESULTS: Youth with an eating disorder (n = 65, Mage = 17.16 ± 3.5 years) were compared to healthy controls (HC; n = 65, Mage = 17.88 ± 4.3 years). The eating disorder group was composed of individuals with anorexia nervosa (n = 49), bulimia nervosa (n = 7) and other specified feeding or eating disorder (n = 9). The eating disorder group was further divided into two subgroups: individuals with a restrictive spectrum eating disorder (ED-R; n = 43) or a bulimic spectrum eating disorder (ED-BP; n = 22). In pro-saccade trials, the eating disorder group made significantly more fixation breaks than HCs (F(1,128) = 5.33, p = 0.023). The ED-BP group made the most anticipatory pro-saccades, followed by ED-R, then HCs (F(2,127) = 3.38, p = 0.037). Groups did not differ on rate of correct express or regular latency pro-saccades. In anti-saccade trials, groups only significantly differed on percentage of direction errors corrected (F(2, 127) = 4.554, p = 0.012). The eating disorder group had a significantly smaller baseline pupil size (F(2,127) = 3.60, p = 0.030) and slower pro-saccade dilation velocity (F(2,127) = 3.30, p = 0.040) compared to HCs. The ED-R group had the lowest blink probability during the intertrial interval (ITI), followed by ED-BP, with HCs having the highest ITI blink probability (F(2,125) = 3.63, p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that youth with an eating disorder may have different oculomotor behaviors during a structured eye tracking task. The oculomotor behavioral differences observed in this study presents an important step towards identifying neurobiological and cognitive contributions towards eating disorders.

Video based eye tracking is a promising method for studying differences between individuals with and without a psychiatric disease of interest. While some studies have explored oculomotor behaviors in individuals with an eating disorder, much remains unknown. The present study investigated saccades (fast eye movements between two points), eye blinks and pupil responses between female youth (aged 10­25 years) with and without an eating disorder during a pro-saccade (looking at a point) and anti-saccade (looking away from a point) eye tracking task. Individuals with an eating disorder made more pro-saccade guesses, had a smaller pupil size and blinked less before a trial started. In individuals with a restrictive type eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa restrictive type), pupil responses may have a relationship with emotional dysregulation (poorly regulated emotional responses). Overall, this study represents an important step towards identifying oculomotor behavior differences in individuals with an eating disorder compared to controls.

Views and experiences of eating disorders treatments in East Asia: a meta-synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Although there have been qualitative meta-syntheses on experiences of eating disorders treatments, there is a paucity of syntheses specifically examining the perspectives and experiences of eating disorders treatments (ED) in East Asia (EA). Such synthesis could facilitate a better understanding of culture-specific perspectives and experiences. This review complements a quantitative scoping review published on ED treatments in EA (Yim & Schmidt, 2023), where most interventions reviewed focused on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and internet interventions. The present meta-synthesis summarises stakeholders' views on treatments and to synthesise clinical and research recommendations. METHOD: A systematic search of five databases and a citation search were conducted to identify relevant studies and data were analysed using thematic synthesis. Out of the 301 studies found, a total of 12 papers were included in the analysis. RESULTS: A diverse range of treatments, such as family therapy, paediatric/psychiatric inpatient care, CBT, and counselling, were discussed. Three overarching themes were identified: Delineating Physical and Psychological Recovery; 'I am not alone in this battle'; and Barriers to Change. The themes further delve into the various obstacles to recovery, including financial concerns and limited access to professionals and services. Culture-specific factors include family obligations and promoting family harmony. Balancing interdependence and independence from one's family, as well as understanding family body ideals versus broader societal body ideals, are important considerations in ED interventions. DISCUSSION: Some themes paralleled other qualitative syntheses, highlighting improved family relationships, perceived authoritarianism in treatments, and financial barriers. The review extends beyond the previous findings, revealing nuanced factors like family roles, cultural values, and norms. Clinical recommendations include incorporating family context in treatment and considering cultural influences on body image ideals. Capacity building through telemedicine and increased training is essential for advancing ED treatment in East Asia. Continued research is needed to better understand and treat people affected by ED in EA.

Comorbidity of binge eating disorder and other psychiatric disorders: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Binge eating disorder (BED), although relatively recently recognized as a distinct clinical syndrome, is the most common eating disorder. BED can occur as a separate phenomenon or in combination with other mental disorders, adding to the overall burden of the illness. Due to the relatively short history of recognizing BED as a distinct disorder, this review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the co-occurrence of BED with other psychiatric disorders. METHOD: This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Multiple databases, such as MEDLINE, MEDLINE Complete, and Academic Search Ultimate, were used to identify relevant studies. Of the 3766 articles initially identified, 63 articles published within the last 13 years were included in this review. This systematic review has been registered through INPLASY (INPLASY202370075). RESULTS: The most frequently observed comorbidities associated with BED were mood disorders, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders. They were also related to more severe BED presentations. Other psychiatric conditions frequently associated with BED include reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders, impulse control disorder, ADHD, personality disorders, behavioral disorders, disorders of bodily distress or bodily experience, and psychotic disorders. Additionally, BED was linked to suicidality and sleep disorders. DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the interconnected nature of BED with various psychiatric conditions and related factors, shedding light on the complexity and broader impact of BED on mental health and the need for appropriate screening and appropriately targeted clinical interventions.

Novel Guided Self-Help for the treatment of Binge Eating Disorder: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy.

Purpose: Binge eating disorder (BED) is a prevalent eating disorder. Many individuals with BED do not receive evidence-based care due to many barriers. This preliminary study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a manualized guided self-help (GSH) intervention with support in the form of a culturally adapted manual for a French-Canadian population.Method: Twenty-two women with overweight or obesity meeting the BED diagnostic criteria participated in an 8-week open trial. The GSH programme combined a self-help book and weekly support phone calls. Participants were assessed at baseline, at week 4, postintervention, and 12 weeks following its end. Feasibility was measured by attrition rates, participation, and satisfaction. Acceptability was measured by a questionnaire based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Potential efficacy outcomes were objective binge eating days, eating disorder symptomatology, depressive symptoms, and propensity to eat intuitively.Results: The GSH programme has proven feasible (4.5% attrition, 91% completion, 95.5% satisfaction) and acceptable. Potential efficacy results showed promising improvements on all outcomes (19% abstinence, 70.9% reduction in objective binge eating days).Conclusion: Although preliminary, this programme warrants further study as it may be an efficient and cost-effective way to deliver GSH for BED patients with accessibility barriers.

Infant feeding for women with an eating disorder: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Mothers with eating disorders can face additional challenges with infant feeding, and there is evidence they are likely to cease breastfeeding earlier than intended. However, there is little research exploring this. The present study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the lived experience of infant feeding for mothers suffering from or recovering from an eating disorder. Semistructured interviews were conducted with six women-five who had breastfed and one who formula-fed. The women experienced two incompatible worlds-motherhood and an eating disorder. Tensions were sometimes resolved by reducing eating disordered behaviour alongside immersion in motherhood. Two participants did not find infant feeding particularly important for their journey into motherhood. Four recounted a positive shift in their relationship to their body through breastfeeding and felt their embodied experience of mothering provided a route out of eating disordered behaviour. However, doubts about their mothering and infant feeding capabilities could be amplified by feeling mistrusted by others and by the relative silence around eating disorders within maternity care services. Respectful dialogue with health care professionals was particularly valued where this occurred. Although long-term outcomes for the participants are unknown, the study suggests women with a history of eating disorders can form successful breastfeeding relationships and may be motivated to engage in collaborative risk assessment. However, they need support in managing emotional challenges. Training around eating disorders for maternity care professionals is likely to be useful for enhancing confidence in engaging mothers proactively to share concerns about eating, weight and body shape.

A dorsal hippocampus-prodynorphinergic dorsolateral septum-to-lateral hypothalamus circuit mediates contextual gating of feeding.

Adaptive regulation of feeding depends on linkage of internal states and food outcomes with contextual cues. Human brain imaging has identified dysregulation of a hippocampal-lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) network in binge eating, but mechanistic instantiation of underlying cell-types and circuitry is lacking. Here, we identify an evolutionary conserved and discrete Prodynorphin (Pdyn)-expressing subpopulation of Somatostatin (Sst)-expressing inhibitory neurons in the dorsolateral septum (DLS) that receives primarily dorsal, but not ventral, hippocampal inputs. DLS(Pdyn) neurons inhibit LHA GABAergic neurons and confer context- and internal state-dependent calibration of feeding. Viral deletion of Pdyn in the DLS mimicked effects seen with optogenetic silencing of DLS Pdyn INs, suggesting a potential role for DYNORPHIN-KAPPA OPIOID RECEPTOR signaling in contextual regulation of food-seeking. Together, our findings illustrate how the dorsal hippocampus has evolved to recruit an ancient LHA feeding circuit module through Pdyn DLS inhibitory neurons to link contextual information with regulation of food consumption.

Clinical Relevance of Food Addiction in Higher Weight Patients across the Binge Eating Spectrum.

Food addiction (FA) is associated with greater severity on many eating-related correlates when comorbid with binge eating disorder (BED) but no study has established this relation across the whole spectrum of binge eating, i.e., from no BED to subthreshold BED to BED diagnosis. This study aims to examine the effect of the presence of FA on the severity of eating behaviors and psychological correlates in patients without BED, subthreshold BED or BED diagnosis. Participants (n = 223) were recruited at a university center specialized in obesity and eating disorder treatment and completed a semi-structured diagnostic interview and questionnaires measuring eating behaviors, emotional regulation, impulsivity, childhood interpersonal trauma, and personality traits. They were categorized by the presence of an eating disorder (no BED, subthreshold BED, or BED) and the presence of FA. Group comparisons showed that, in patients with BED, those with FA demonstrated higher disinhibition (t(79) = -2.19, p = 0.032) and more maladaptive emotional regulation strategies (t(43) = -2.37, p = 0.022) than participants without FA. In patients with subthreshold BED, those with FA demonstrated higher susceptibility to hunger (t(68) = -2.55, p = 0.013) and less cooperativeness (t(68) = 2.60, p = 0.012). In patients without BED, those with FA demonstrated higher disinhibition (t(70) = -3.15, p = 0.002), more maladaptive emotional regulation strategies (t(53) = -2.54, p = 0.014), more interpersonal trauma (t(69) = -2.41, p = 0.019), and less self-directedness (t(70) = 2.14, p = 0.036). We argue that the assessment of FA provides relevant information to complement eating disorder diagnoses. FA identifies a subgroup of patients showing higher severity on many eating-related correlates along the binge eating spectrum. It also allows targeting of patients without a formal eating disorder diagnosis who would still benefit from professional help.

Does response to treatment differ between anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa? Findings from two open series trials.

BACKGROUND: No evidence-based treatments exist for atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) and little is known about differences in response to treatment between anorexia nervosa (AN) and AAN. The purpose of this paper is to explore treatment outcomes in two pilot trials for those with AN and AAN. METHODS: Study 1 (N = 127) examined treatment outcomes in a digital imaginal exposure trial and Study 2 (N = 34) examined outcomes in a personalized treatment trial. Participants with an active eating disorder (ED) were eligible and those with AN or AAN were included in these analyses. ED symptoms and ED-related fears were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and one and six-month follow-up. Linear mixed effects models explored treatment outcomes by diagnosis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in treatment response between diagnoses for most outcome measures. In Study 2, participants with AAN had a significant decrease in global ED symptoms across time, while AN did not. LIMITATIONS: The samples were primarily white and female, limiting the generalizability of the studies. Additionally, due to limited consensus on "significant weight loss," a less conservative definition was used to diagnose AAN which may impact the results. CONCLUSIONS: In general, those with AN and AAN may respond to treatment similarly, with some small differences. Digital exposure therapy may be effective treatments for both AN and AAN, especially for ED-related fears. Personalized treatment may be more effective for those with AAN than those with AN.

The Value of Cultural Models in Eating Disorders Research in Korea: A Call for More Culturally Specific Works.

The study by Monocello et al. presents findings from a cultural model analysis providing support for culturally bounded understandings of weight and shape and body ideals, and identifying factors that vary across culturally anchored weight categories. In this commentary, we highlight the value of utilizing emic perspectives and employing cultural models in research focused on body image and disordered eating, and the usefulness of these empirical data among Korean men who constitute an underrepresented group in the eating disorders literature. In addition, methodological and contextual aspects that warrant consideration in the interpretation of the results are highlighted. Finally, directions for future research are presented focused on body image and disordered eating among Korean men, as well as leveraging cultural models more broadly in the field. We hope that the study by Monocello and colleagues will stimulate additional research that centers the perspectives of underrepresented groups in ways that elevate and honor their experiences and help to shift the field away from a White-centered perspective.

Broaching body size and sizeism: Input from specialized clinicians.

Broaching issues of identity and power with clients in the context of their mental health care is affirmed as an effective multicultural and social justice counseling skill by a growing evidence base. Considerations for broaching body size, including size difference and sizeism, with clients has not yet been studied, thus clinicians lack guidelines for facilitating these conversations. In this consensual qualitative research study, we present themes involved in broaching body topics based on our interviews with nine clinicians specialized in treating clients with eating disorders and body-related counseling concerns. Themes addressed counselor development, conceptualization of broaching, clinical-decision-making, practice, and impact of broaching body topics in session. Clinicians identified professional and personal developments they pursued and would advocate for training future clinicians to better serve clients. Descriptions of unique and shared aspects of broaching clients' intersectionality and body-size specifically depict avenues for tailoring broaching conversations. Specific examples of effective and ineffective broaching conversations, including language used and psychoeducational components, provide recommendations for practice and connect to observed impacts on the client, counselor, and counseling process.

Assessing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Symptoms Using the Nine Item ARFID Screen in >9000 Swedish Adults With and Without Eating Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The Nine Item ARFID Scale (NIAS) is a widely used measure assessing symptoms of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Previous studies suggest that individuals with eating disorders driven by shape/weight concerns also have elevated scores on the NIAS. To further describe NIAS scores among individuals with diverse current and previous eating disorders, we characterized NIAS scores in a large sample of individuals with eating disorders and evaluated overlap in symptoms measured by the NIAS and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) version 6.0. METHOD: Our sample comprised 9148 participants from the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative Sweden (EDGI-SE), who completed surveys including NIAS and EDE-Q. NIAS scores were calculated and compared by eating disorder diagnostic group using descriptive statistics and linear models. RESULTS: Participants with current anorexia nervosa demonstrated the highest mean NIAS scores and had the greatest proportion (57.0%) of individuals scoring above a clinical cutoff on at least one of the NIAS subscales. Individuals with bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorder also demonstrated elevated NIAS scores compared to individuals with no lifetime history of an eating disorder (ps < 0.05). All subscales of the NIAS showed small to moderate correlations with all subscales of the EDE-Q (rs = 0.26-0.40). DISCUSSION: Our results substantiate that individuals with eating disorders other than ARFID demonstrate elevated scores on the NIAS, suggesting that this tool is inadequate on its own for differentiating ARFID from shape/weight-motivated eating disorders. Further research is needed to inform clinical interventions addressing the co-occurrence of ARFID-related drivers and shape/weight-related motivation for dietary restriction.

Associations Between Weight Discrimination, Eating-Disorder-Related Psychiatric Impairment, and Eating-Disorder Treatment Interest Across the Weight Spectrum.

OBJECTIVE: Only approximately 20% of college students with an eating disorder (ED) seek treatment. One barrier to seeking treatment is weight discrimination. Past research demonstrates that experiencing weight discrimination is associated with increased ED risk and decreased in-person treatment engagement. Weight discrimination may be a particularly relevant treatment barrier for students who have a higher body weight given their higher likelihood of experiencing weight discrimination. METHODS: College students with a probable ED diagnosis (N = 372; Mage = 23.94; 73.12% women, 18.55% men, 6.18% another gender; 11.29% Asian, 4.57% Black, 12.63% Hispanic, 83.60% White, 4.84% Native American, and 0.54% another race) completed an online self-report survey that included the Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA), Experience of Weight Discrimination (EWD) Scale, and a 0-100 scale to indicate interest in participating in virtual guided self-help ED treatment. RESULTS: Linear regression showed significant positive relationships between weight discrimination and ED-related psychiatric impairment and treatment interest. DISCUSSION: Elevations in CIA scores corroborate past literature that suggested that weight discrimination was positively related to ED psychopathology. Contrary to past research, college students who experienced weight discrimination had greater treatment interest. Students who experience weight discrimination may view virtual self-guided treatment as less weight-stigmatizing due to the "do-it-yourself" approach and no in-person interactions. Findings highlight the potential impacts of weight discrimination on acceptability of ED-related care. Future research is needed to identify ways to reduce weight discrimination and promote weight-inclusive practices in the medical system.

An Efficient Combination Therapy with Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate and Topiramate in Improving Binge Eating Scale & Metabolic Profile in Binge Eating Disorder: A Randomized Control Trial.

Objective: Comprehensive evaluation of lisedexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) alone and in combination with topiramate (TPM) was done for treatment of binge eating disorder (BED) in adults aged 18-55 years. Methods: In the present randomized clinical trial study, 93 patients were selected by convenience sampling method and were allocated to two groups of 48 and 45 using the permuted block randomization method. This study was conducted from January to September 2022 in Shiraz, Iran. Patients received LDX (n = 48) or LDX plus TPM. Average dose of LDX was 37.5 mg/day and 38 mg/day in the first and second group respectively. The second group (n = 45) also received TPM with average dose of 77.7 mg/day. Results: Twelve weeks treatment caused significant higher mean reduction in level of triglyceride (73.68 vs. 58.97 respectively, p = 0.024), low density lipo-protein (LDL) (9.66 vs. 5.16 respectively, p < 0.001) and body mass index (5.48 vs. 3.41 respectively, p < 0.001) with TPM plus LDX and also greater significant improvement (p < 0.001) in binge eating scale compared to use of LDX alone. Combination therapy with TPM and LDX had better tolerability and lower adverse events such as insomnia (p < 0.001), paresthesia (p = 0.001), confusion (p = 0.035) and ataxia (p = 0.009) compared to monotherapy in BED. Conclusion: The combinative treatment was more effective than single drug in terms of higher tolerability, safety and causing lesser adverse events for BED patients. However, more studies with larger samples are needed.

Anorexia and bulimia in relation to ulcerative colitis: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Evidence for anorexia and bulimia in relation to the risk of ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited and inconsistent. The objective of this research was to utilize bi-directional, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to predict the causal association between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with UC. Methods: The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provided data for anorexia and bulimia from the UK Biobank, utilizing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) as instrumental variables. Additionally, genetic associations with UC were collected from various sources including the FinnGen Biobank, the UK Biobank and the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IIBDGC). The main analytical approach utilized in this study was the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method. To evaluate horizontal pleiotropy, the researchers conducted MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO global test analyses. Additionally, heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test. Results: This study found a negative association between genetically predicted bulimia (OR = 0.943, 95% CI: 0.893-0.996; p = 0.034) and the risk of UC in the IIBDGC dataset, indicating that individuals with bulimia have approximately a 5.7% lower risk of developing UC. No association was observed in the other two datasets. Conversely, genetically predicted anorexia was not found to be causally associated with UC. In bi-directional Mendelian randomization, UC from the IIBDGC dataset was negatively associated with the risk of anorexia (OR = 0.877, 95% CI: 0.797-0.965; p = 0.007), suggesting that UC patients have approximately a 12.3% lower risk of developing anorexia, but not causally associated with bulimia. Conclusion: Genetically predicted bulimia may have a negative association with the onset of UC, while genetically predicted anorexia does not show a causal relationship with the development of UC. Conversely, genetically predicted UC may have a negative association with the development of anorexia.