There is increasing evidence of the impact of ultra-processed foods on multiple metabolic and neurobiological pathways, including those involved in eating behaviours, both in animals and in humans. In this pilot study, we aimed to explore ultra-processed foods and their link with disordered eating in a clinical sample. METHODS This was a single site, retrospective observational study in a specialist eating disorder service using self report on the electronic health records. Patients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge eating disorder (BED) were randomly selected from the service database in Oxford from 2017 to 2019. The recently introduced NOVA classification was used to determine the degree of industrial food processing in each patient's diet. Frequencies of ultra-processed foods were analysed for each diagnosis, at each mealtime and during episodes of bingeing. RESULTS 71 female and 3 male patients were included in the study. 22 had AN, 25 BN and 26 had BED. Patients with AN reported consuming 55% NOVA-4 foods, as opposed to approximately 70% in BN and BED. Binge foods were 100% ultra-processed. DISCUSSION Further research into the metabolic and neurobiological effects of reducing ultraprocessed food intake on bingeing behaviour is needed.
OBJECTIVEThere is increasing evidence of the impact of ultra-processed foods on multiple metabolic and neurobiological pathways, including those involved in eating behaviours, both in animals and in humans. In this pilot study, we aimed to explore ultra-processed foods and their link with disordered eating in a clinical sample. METHODSThis was a single site, retrospective observational study in a specialist eating disorder service using self report on the electronic health records. Patients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge eating disorder (BED) were randomly selected from the service database in Oxford from 2017 to 2019. The recently introduced NOVA classification was used to determine the degree of industrial food processing in each patient’s diet. Frequencies of ultra-processed foods were analysed for each diagnosis, at each mealtime and during episodes of bingeing.RESULTS71 female and 3 male patients were included in the study. 22 had AN, 25 BN and 26 had BED. Patients with AN reported consuming 55% NOVA-4 foods, as opposed to approximately 70% in BN and BED. Binge foods were 100% ultra-processed.DISCUSSIONFurther research into the metabolic and neurobiological effects of reducing ultra-processed food intake on bingeing behaviour is needed.
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