Traditional, Vegetarian, or Low FODMAP Diets and Their Relation to Symptoms of Eating Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study among Young Women in Poland

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are an ever-growing problem, seen most commonly among young women. People with EDs are particularly predisposed to restrictive eating patterns. Diet therapy for many diseases involves the elimination of certain food groups, and the use of restrictive diets in people with EDs may indirectly influence the recurrence of the disorder. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of the possible presence of EDs and orthorexia symptoms among young women following a traditional, alternative (vegetarian), or therapeutic (low FODMAP) diet. Methods: The analysis was based on 420 responses from female respondents aged 19 to 30 years. The research tool consisted of questionnaires to assess the possible presence of EDs (SCOFF), cognitive-behavioral aspects of eating (TFEQ-13), and the presence of orthorexia symptoms (ORTO-15). Results: Uncontrolled and emotional eating was least common in women on a vegetarian diet (5.6 ± 3.7; 3.5 ± 2.7; p < 0.05). Women on a low FODMAP diet were most prevalent with symptoms of orthorexia (n = 37, 47.4%; p < 0.05). Conclusions: It seems important to perform screening tests for eating disorders before recommending diet therapy in order to individually adjust the dietary regimen and refer patients to appropriate specialists.

Overall proportion of orthorexia nervosa symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis including 30 476 individuals from 18 countries

“…In this systematic review and meta-analysis, 34 studies used the <35 cutoff point [ 20 , 29 , 30 , 33 , 37 , 38 , 40 , 41 , 46 , 49 , 55 , 56 , 59 , 60 , 64 - 67 , 69 - 71 , 73 - 77 , 81 - 84 , 88 , 90 , 92 , 93 , 96 ], 64 studies used the <40 cutoff point [ 10 , 20 , 29 - 39 , 42 - 45 , 47 - 54 , 56 - 58 , 61 - 65 , 68 , 70 , 72 - 76 , 78 - 101 ], and 23 studies used both cutoff points [ 20 , 29 , 30 , 33 , 38 , 49 , 56 , 64 , 65 , 70 , 73 - 76 , 81 - 84 , 88 , 90 , 92 , 93 , 96 ]. Based on the <35 cutoff point, all the studies were cross-sectional.…”

“…According to sex, 64 studies reported the overall proportion of ON symptoms in both men and women [ 10 , 29 - 38 , 40 - 44 , 46 - 50 , 53 - 55 , 57 - 59 , 61 - 68 , 71 , 73 - 91 , 93 - 101 ], and nine studies only included one sex (i.e. only women [ 39 , 45 , 51 , 52 , 60 , 70 , 72 , 92 ] or men [ 69 ]). The remaining two studies [ 20 , 56 ] did not report proportions stratified by sex.…”

Psychobiotics as an Intervention in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review

“…In addition, the presence of gastrointestinal dysbiosis influences the increased incidence of abnormal eating behaviors, which in most cases include irregular food intake as well as food avoidance. This, in turn, leads to food selectivity and worsening intestinal dysbiosis [8]. There is a bidirectional relationship between the host brain and the microbiota, which is regulated via the following pathways: immunological (cytokines), endocrine (cortisol, HPA), neuronal (X nerve, enteric nervous system), and metabolic.…”

“…At the same time, ongoing eating disorders (e.g., binge-eating syndrome) would have made it impossible to carry out an elimination diet properly. [8]. It is worth noting that eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating syndrome) are often associated with mood disorders and co-occurring dysfunctions in neurotransmitter pathways, which in themselves may hinder the proper implementation of a low-FODMAP diet due to reduced overall motivation and sense of purpose in changing eating habits [9][10][11].…”

Heartfulness in Vegans, Vegetarians, and Omnivores

“…It was shown that uncontrolled and emotional eating was the least common in women on a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians mentioned both ethical and health reasons as motivations for choosing their diet [ 16 ]. Consequently, it can be assumed that this is a conscious and sensitive group of consumers.…”