ScienceDaily: Eating Disorder News

Nobody likes a 'fat-talker,' study shows

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:45:45 EDT

Women who engage in "fat talk" -- the self-disparaging remarks girls and women make in relation to eating, exercise or their bodies -- are less liked by their peers, a new study from the University of Notre Dame finds.

Sexual harassment linked to 'purging' -- in men

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:43:43 EDT

Men who experience high levels of sexual harassment are much more likely than women to induce vomiting and take laxatives and diuretics in an attempt to control their weight, according to a surprising finding.

Rethinking treatment goals improves results for those with persistent anorexia

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:24:24 EDT

Patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa stuck with treatments in a clinical trial and made significant improvements with just a slight modification of the standard goals and methods of care. Participants reported improved quality of life, mood and social adjustment.

The biology behind binge eating

Wed, 01 May 2013 10:13:13 EDT

Female rats are much more likely to binge eat than male rats, according to new research that provides some of the strongest evidence yet that biology plays a role in eating disorders.

Binge eating curbed by deep brain stimulation in animal model

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:17:17 EDT

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a precise region of the brain appears to reduce caloric intake and prompt weight loss in obese animal models, according to a new study.

Google searches about mental illness follow seasonal patterns

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:12:12 EDT

Google searches for information across all major mental illnesses and problems followed seasonal patterns, suggesting mental illness may be more strongly linked with seasonal patterns than previously thought.

Eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, and self perceived masculinity

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:57:57 EDT

Self perceived masculinity is higher in men with muscle dysmorphia, popularly called 'bigorexia', than other gym users, while male patients with anorexia nervosa had elevated association with feminine stereotypes, finds new research.

Food memories can help with weight loss

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:30:30 EDT

Psychologists have found that using memories of recent meals reduces the amount of food eaten later on. It also found that being distracted when eating leads to increased consumption.

Deep brain stimulation shows promise for patients with chronic, treatment resistant anorexia nervosa

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:08:08 EST

In a world first, a team of researchers has shown that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with chronic, severe and treatment-resistant anorexia nervosa (anorexia) helps some patients achieve and maintain improvements in body weight, mood, and anxiety.

Talking about being old is important indicator of body dissatisfaction

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:37:37 EST

Similar to talking about being fat, talking about being old is an important an indicator of body dissatisfaction, shows new research. Body dissatisfaction is known to be correlated with, and predictive of, physical and mental health problems including binge eating, emotional eating, stress, low self-esteem, depression, and use of unhealthy weight control behaviors. High levels of talking about weight and being fat, ‘fat talk’, is known to be a good indicator of body dissatisfaction.

Peer pressure trumps 'thin' ideals in the media

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:36:36 EST

Peers exert a greater influence on teenage girls' dissatisfaction with their bodies than do thin ideals in television or social media use, according to new research.

Many apples a day keep the blues at bay

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:53:53 EST

Eating more fruit and vegetables may make young people calmer, happier and more energetic in their daily life, new research suggests.

Effect of taking smaller bites outweighs tendency to eat more when distracted

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:52:52 EST

Eating while distracted generally makes people eat more without being aware of it, but reducing bite sizes may be able to counter this effect, according to new research.

Perfectionism and eating disorders: Complex issue

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:20:20 EST

Two aspects of perfectionism are involved in body dissatisfaction and the development of eating disorders, according to a new study. Adaptive perfectionism is high standards driving a person towards achieving a goal body image, and maladaptive perfectionism is concerned with mistakes and other people’s opinions.

Secretive food concocting: New characteristic of binge eating identified

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:07:07 EST

A new study suggests food concocting -- the making of strange food mixtures like mashed potatoes and Oreo cookies, frozen vegetables mixed with mayonnaise, and chips with lemon, pork rinds, Italian dressing and salt -- is common among binge eaters. The findings reveal that 1 in 4 survey participants secretly create concoctions.

Small easy changes can lead to sustainable weight loss and healthier eating habits

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:43:43 EST

Making small easy changes to our eating habits on a consistent basis -- 25 days or more per month -- can lead to sustainable weight loss, according to researchers. The challenge is to figure out which changes work for specific individuals and how to stick with changes long enough to make them second nature.

Binge eating, overeating may be associated with initiating use of marijuana, other drugs

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:36:36 EST

Overeating and binge eating may be associated with initiating use of marijuana and other drugs in a study of adolescents and young adults.

Eating disorders in teens: Could the emergency room be a good place to spot them?

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:21:21 EST

Could the emergency room be a good place to spot undiagnosed eating disorders among teens, and help steer them to treatment? A new study suggests that could be the case.

New bulimia treatment developed

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 14:14:14 EST

An eating disorders research team has developed a successful bulimia nervosa therapy that can provide patients an alternative for treating this debilitating disorder.

More plus-size models could change women’s obsession with thin bodies

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 20:01:01 EST

Women's obsession for thin bodies could potentially be changed if advertising showed more plus size models, suggests a preliminary study.

This is your brain on food: Studies reveal how diet affects brain functions

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 09:17:17 EDT

New studies explore the neurological component of dietary disorders, uncovering evidence that the brain's biological mechanisms may contribute to significant public health challenges -- obesity, diabetes, binge eating, and the allure of the high-calorie meal.

Link between creativity and mental illness confirmed in large-scale Swedish study

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 08:49:49 EDT

People in creative professions are treated more often for mental illness than the general population, there being a particularly salient connection between writing and schizophrenia, according to researchers whose large-scale Swedish registry study is the most comprehensive ever in its field.

Weight loss surgery may be associated with increased substance use following surgery

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:24:24 EDT

Patients who undergo bariatric weight loss surgery may be at increased risk for substance use (drug use, alcohol use and cigarette smoking) following surgery, particularly among patients who undergo laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery who appear to be at increased risk for alcohol use following surgery.

You have to eat, except when you're not hungry

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:26:26 EDT

A study of siblings indicates a behavioral inclination toward obesity in children.

Eat dessert first? It might help you control your diet

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:53:53 EDT

Consumers watching their diet should pay close attention to the amount of unhealthy foods they eat, but can relax when it comes to healthier options, according to a new study.

Reducing pressure on children to eat may help prevent obesity

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:06:06 EDT

An educational program for parents helps to reduce pressure on children to eat—which may reduce the child's risk of obesity, according to a new study.

Is long-term weight loss possible after menopause?

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:32:32 EDT

Studies have found that it is difficult to keep weight off in the long term. For post-menopausal women, natural declines in energy expenditure could make long-term weight loss even more challenging. A new study finds that in post-menopausal women, some behaviors related to weight loss in the short term are not effective or sustainable for the long term. Interventions targeting these behaviors could improve long-term obesity treatment outcomes.

Pro-anorexic bloggers interviewed

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:08:08 EDT

A new research study suggests there may be benefits to the controversial activities of "pro-ana" bloggers, the online community for people with eating disorders. Most of the 33 bloggers from seven countries interviewed for the study said their writing activities provide a way to express themselves without judgment, which the authors believe can be crucial to their treatment.

Childless women with fertility problems at higher risk of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:44:44 EDT

Based on the largest cohort of women with fertility problems compiled to date, Danish investigators have shown that women who remained childless after their first investigation for infertility had more hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders than women who had at least one child following their investigation.

Binge eating improves with deep brain stimulation surgery

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:25:25 EDT

Deep brain stimulation reduces binge eating in mice, suggesting that this surgery, which is approved for treatment of certain neurologic and psychiatric disorders, may also be an effective therapy for obesity.

Eating disorder behaviors and weight concerns are common in women over 50

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:09:09 EDT

Eating disorders are commonly seen as an issue faced by teenagers and young women, but a new study reveals that age is no barrier to disordered eating. In women aged 50 and over, 3.5 percent report binge eating, nearly eight percent report purging, and more than 70 percent are trying to lose weight. The study revealed that 62 percent of women claimed that their weight or shape negatively impacted on their life.

Role of cellular protein demonstrated in regulation of binge eating

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:40:40 EDT

Researchers have demonstrated in experimental models that blocking the Sigma-1 receptor, a cellular protein, reduced binge eating and caused binge eaters to eat more slowly.

'Obesity genes' may influence food choices, eating patterns

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:48:48 EDT

Blame it on your genes? Researchers say individuals with variations in certain "obesity genes" tend to eat more meals and snacks, consume more calories per day and choose the same high fat, sugary foods.

Food fight or romantic dinner? Communication between couples is key to improving men's diets

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:53:53 EDT

Married men will eat their peas to keep the peace, but many aren't happy about it, and may even binge on unhealthy foods away from home.

Brain circuitry is different for women with anorexia and obesity

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:16:16 EDT

Why does one person become anorexic and another obese? Researchers have now shown that reward circuits in the brain are sensitized in anorexic women and desensitized in obese women.

Pleasure eating triggers body's reward system and may stimulate overeating

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:34:34 EDT

When eating is motivated by pleasure, rather than hunger, endogenous rewarding chemical signals are activated which can lead to overeating, according to a recent study. The phenomenon ultimately affects body mass and may be a factor in the continuing rise of obesity.

Binge eating may lead to addiction-like behaviors

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:18:18 EDT

A history of binge eating -- consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time -- may make an individual more likely to show other addiction-like behaviors, including substance abuse, according to researchers. In the short term, this finding may shed light on the factors that promote substance abuse, addiction, and relapse. In the long term, may help clinicians treat individuals suffering from this devastating disease.

Family life study reveals key events that can trigger eating disorders

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:56:56 EDT

Eating disorders can be triggered by lack of support following traumatic events such as bereavement, relationship problems, abuse and sexual assault, according to new research. Even changing school or moving home can prove too much for some young people and lead to conditions such as anorexia or bulimia.

Fasting for Lent forces hyenas to change diet

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:52:52 EDT

Many Christians give up certain foods for Lent, however ecologists have discovered these changes in human diet have a dramatic impact on the diet of wild animals. In Ethiopia, members of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church stop eating meat and dairy products during a 55-day fast before Easter. As a result, spotted hyenas too change their eating habits.

Antipsychotic drug may be helpful treatment for anorexia nervosa

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:20:20 EDT

Low doses of a commonly used atypical antipsychotic drug improved survival in a mouse model of anorexia nervosa, researchers have recently reported. The result offers promise for a common and occasionally fatal eating disorder that currently lacks approved drugs for treatment.

Eating berries benefits the brain

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:58:58 EST

Strong scientific evidence exists that eating blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and other berry fruits has beneficial effects on the brain and may help prevent age-related memory loss and other changes, scientists report.

School obesity programs may promote worrisome eating behaviors and physical activity in kids

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:12:12 EST

A new report examines the possible association between school-based childhood obesity prevention programs and an increase in eating disorders among young children and adolescents. In a new poll, 30% of parents report at least one worrisome behavior in their children that could be associated with the development of eating disorders.

New approach to management of overeating in children

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:58:58 EST

Overeating, whether in children or adults, often takes place even in the absence of hunger, resulting in weight gain and obesity. Current methods to treat such overeating in youth focus on therapies that restrict what kids may eat, requiring them to track their food intake and engage in intensive exercise. Psychiatrists are now developing new ways to treat overeating in children and adults.

Research examines college students' knowledge about eating disorders

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:02:02 EDT

They're the prime demographic for developing eating disorders, yet new research suggests that it could be difficult for college students to notice the warning signs of disordered eating.

Do deficits in brain cannabinoids contribute to eating disorders?

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:52:52 EDT

A new report suggests that deficits in endocannabinoid function may contribute to anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Endocannabinoids are substances made by the brain that affect brain function and chemistry in ways that resemble the effects of cannabis derivatives, including marijuana and hashish. These commonly abused drugs are well known to increase appetite, i.e., to cause the "munchies." Thus, it makes sense that deficits in this brain system would be associated with reduced appetite.

Study shows why underrepresented men should be included in binge eating research

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:12:12 EDT

Binge eating is a disorder which affects both men and women, yet men remain underrepresented in research. A new study has found that the medical impact of the disorder is just as damaging to men as it is to women, yet research has shown that the number of men seeking treatment is far lower than the estimated number of sufferers

'Drunkorexia:' A recipe for disaster

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:15:15 EDT

It is well-known that eating disorders are common among teens and college students. Heavy alcohol consumption is another well-known unhealthy habit of this age group. A new study shows that when college students combine these two unhealthy habits, their long-term health may be affected. "Drunkorexia" is a new term coined by the media to describe the combination of disordered eating and heavy alcohol consumption.

Atypical antipsychotics appear to be effective for only few off-label uses, study suggests

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT

A review of previous studies suggests that even though atypical antipsychotic medications are commonly used for off-label conditions such as behavioral symptoms of dementia, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, these medications are effective for only a few off-label conditions, and that the benefits and harms of these medications for these uses vary, according to a new article.

Atypical antipsychotics may aid symptons for some off-label uses, but not others

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT

Atypical antipsychotic medications, developed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are frequently prescribed for many off-label uses. A new study finds that medical evidence suggests the drugs are effective in reducing symptoms for some off-label conditions, but not others.

Family meals help children to be less fussy about food

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:20:20 EDT

A study has found that eating together as a family may encourage children to be more open to trying new types of food.

Habit makes bad food too easy to swallow

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:51:51 EDT

Do you always get popcorn at the movies? Or snack while you're on the couch watching television? A new article reveals why bad eating habits persist even when the food we're eating doesn't taste good. The study also reveals the surprisingly simple ways we can counter our habits to gain control over what we eat.

Weight loss without the hunger: Eat a lighter lunch, scientists say

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:13:13 EDT

Losing weight without a grumbling stomach or expensive liquid diet can be as simple as eating a lighter lunch, a new study finds. Participants who ate portion-controlled lunches did not compensate by eating more calories later in the day, leading researchers to believe the human body does not possess the mechanisms necessary to notice a small drop in energy intake.

Mindless eating: Losing weight without thinking

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:35:35 EDT

Dieters may not need as much willpower as they think, if they make simple changes in their surroundings that can result in eating healthier without a second thought, said a consumer psychologist.

School obesity-prevention curriculum can reduce medical costs

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:14:14 EDT

Teaching middle-school children about nutrition and exercise and encouraging them to watch less TV can save the health care system a substantial amount of money, suggests a new economic analysis.

New study sheds light on role of genetics in recovering from eating disorders

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:35:35 EDT

A substantial number of people with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa have a chronic course. They are severely underweight and have a high likelihood of dying from malnutrition. No treatment has been found that helps people who are chronically ill. Now, a new study sheds light on the reason that some people have poor outcome.

'Love your body' to lose weight

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:49:49 EDT

Almost a quarter of men and women in England and over a third of adults in America are obese. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease and can significantly shorten a person's life expectancy. New research shows that improving body image can enhance the effectiveness of weight loss programs based on diet and exercise.

Family meals remain important through teen years, expert says

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:28:28 EDT

As children become teenagers, it may be more challenging to regularly include them in family meals, but doing so is key to heading off such problems as eating disorders, obesity, and inadequate nutrition in adolescence, according to a new study. The results showed that teens who eat at least five meals a week with their families are 35 percent less likely to engage in disordered eating than teens who don't.

Evidence for 'food addiction' in humans

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:40:40 EDT

New research suggests that people can become dependent on highly palatable foods and engage in a compulsive pattern of consumption, similar to the behaviors we observe in drug addicts and those with alcoholism.

Eating disorders impact brain function, new brain research suggests

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:49:49 EDT

Bulimia nervosa is a severe eating disorder associated with episodic binge eating followed by extreme behaviors to avoid weight gain such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or excessive exercise. It is poorly understood how brain function may be involved in bulimia. A new study examined the brain response to a dopamine related reward-learning task in bulimic and healthy women.

Patients with eating disorders have an elevated rate of death

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:46:46 EDT

Individuals who have eating disorders have an elevated mortality rate, especially those with anorexia nervosa, according to a meta-analysis of previous studies.