Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders in Pediatric Obesity: Assessment and Next Steps

Abstract

While the exact prevalence of disordered eating in youth who are overweight and have obesity has not been determined, studies show that the odds of a young adult (18–24 years) with obesity engaging in disordered eating behaviors is 2.45 times more likely to occur than in young adults with Body Mass Indexes (BMI) in the normative range. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role that disordered eating and eating disorders may play in pediatric obesity and the importance of screening for these conditions. The ability to identify and assess disordered eating alters the course of treatment. Without an understanding of the intersection of obesity and disordered eating, medical providers may continue treatment-as-usual. Doing so may inadvertently contribute to internalized weight bias in patients with obesity and exacerbate their disordered eating symptoms and behaviors. In addition, understanding the spectrum of disordered eating in pediatric patients with obesity allows providers to tailor treatments, discuss food and physical activity differently, and know when to refer patients to eating-disorder-specific providers for continued treatment.

Anthropometric Indices in Predicting the Risks of Occurrence and Outcomes of Diseases at Present Stage

“…Интерес представляют данные, полученные E. Chaves с соавт. [10], касающиеся расстройств пищевого поведения. Исследования показывают, что у молодых людей (18-24 лет) с ожирением пищевое поведение было нарушено в 2,45 раза чаще, чем у молодых людей с ИМТ в пределах нормы.…”

Eating Attitudes, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Dietetic Students and Association with Body Mass Index and Body Fat Percent: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In the total sample, the DASS score was 20 (11-36) (median, IQR). The scores for the depression, anxiety, and stress subcategories were 4 (1-9.2), 5 (2-10), and 11 (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17), correspondingly (medians, IQR). Almost 22.9% of women and 30.3% of men experienced depression, while anxiety affected almost 39.7% of women and 35.3% of men.…”

“…Eating disorders are classified as psychiatric conditions characterized by deviant eating or weight control attitudes [10]. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition [11].…”

“…They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition [11]. The terms "disordered eating" or "disordered eating behavior" do not refer to a clinical diagnosis, as they do not meet the criteria described in DSM-5, primarily due to differences in the frequency and severity of the symptoms [10,11]. They include a negative attitude regarding weight and shape, abnormal eating behavior, and unhealthy weight control behaviors [10,12].…”

Family Meals and Social Eating Behavior and Their Association with Disordered Eating among Spanish Adolescents: The EHDLA Study

“…Furthermore, although not categorized as eating disorders, these have been associated with negative physical, psychological, and social consequences [11]. Thus, disordered eating behavior is related to an increased risk of developing eating disorders [12] and obesity later in life [13], higher symptoms of depression [14], higher risk of alcohol, tobacco, and central nervous stimulants consumption [15], reduced wellbeing [15], and higher risk for reaching lower socioeconomic achievement [16]. Therefore, it seems crucial to differentiate and examine disordered eating behavior and eating disorders separately [17] to promote early detection.…”