http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/eating_disorders/ Read the latest medical research on eating disorders and how to treat them. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/eating_disorders/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161618.htm 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. Mon, 14 May 2012 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503103446.htm 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. Thu, 03 May 2012 10:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503103446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095655.htm 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.    Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404162022.htm 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. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404162022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229121118.htm Voting behavior cannot be predicted by one or two genes as previous researchers have claimed, according to a professor of public policy and political science. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229121118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm 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. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111858.htm Researchers compared three common methods for calculating expected body weight of adolescents with eating disorders and found that the body mass index percentile method is recommended for clinical and research purposes. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105754.htm Adolescents hospitalized with anorexia nervosa who receive treatment based on current recommendations for refeeding fail to gain significant weight during their first week in the hospital, according to a new study. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105754.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175825.htm 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. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115226.htm 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. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091231.htm 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 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161649.htm 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. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802201834.htm Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are associated with fertility problems and negative attitudes to pregnancy, according to a new study. The research also revealed high rates of unplanned pregnancies in women with a history of anorexia, suggesting they may be underestimating their chances of conceiving. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802201834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801161416.htm 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. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801161416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726163504.htm 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. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726163504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712094046.htm 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. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712094046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711144944.htm 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. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711144944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704174620.htm Individuals who have eating disorders have an elevated mortality rate, especially those with anorexia nervosa, according to a meta-analysis of previous studies. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704174620.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616103033.htm Having a history of eating disorders or abuse may increase a woman's risk for developing depression during and after pregnancy, according to new research. The finding could influence how doctors screen patients during prenatal visits. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616103033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616081809.htm Children as young as ten are making themselves vomit in order to lose weight and the problem is more common in boys than girls. 13% of the 8,673 girls and 7,043 boys who took part in the research admitted they made themselves sick to lose weight. But the figures were much higher in younger children, with 16% of 10-12 year-olds and 15% of 13-15 year-olds vomiting. The figures fell to 8% in 16-18 year-olds. The study of 120 schools also found that 16% of the boys made themselves sick, compared with 10% of the girls. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616081809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606142356.htm Women who have higher levels of the appetite-controlling hormone leptin have fewer symptoms of depression, and this apparent inverse relationship is not related to body mass index (BMI), a new study finds. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606142356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110604182008.htm Estrogen therapy improves low bone density due to anorexia nervosa in teenage girls with the disease when given as a patch or as a low oral dose that is physiological (close to the form or amount of estrogen the body makes naturally), according to a new study. Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110604182008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526141509.htm People suffering from body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD -- a severe mental illness characterized by debilitating misperceptions that they appear disfigured and ugly -- process visual information abnormally, even when looking at inanimate objects. The findings are an important step in developing treatments to change their self-perceptions. Thu, 26 May 2011 14:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526141509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110520092733.htm While most people have a great deal of difficulty in dieting and losing weight, particularly if a diet extends over many months or years, individuals with anorexia nervosa can literally diet themselves to death. In fact, this disorder has a very high death rate from starvation. A new study sheds light on why these symptoms occur in anorexia nervosa. Fri, 20 May 2011 09:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110520092733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504145023.htm Anorexia nervosa is more common among people born in the spring, a new study has found. The researchers say their study -- which is the largest to date -- provides 'clear evidence' of a season-of-birth effect in anorexia. Wed, 04 May 2011 14:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504145023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110401121344.htm Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often diagnosed too late in children and adolescents. Experts point out that appropriate early recognition and treatment can positively affect the course of the disease. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110401121344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324104141.htm Researchers found that dopamine agonists used in treating Parkinson's disease result in impulse control disorders in as many as 22 percent of patients. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324104141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307161859.htm Eating disorders are prevalent in the general US adolescent population and are associated with other psychiatric disorders, role impairment and suicidality, according to a new article Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307161859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228104308.htm A brain-imaging study reveals a subtle difference between ordinary obese subjects and those who compulsively overeat, or binge: In binge eaters but not ordinary obese subjects, the mere sight or smell of favorite foods triggers a spike in dopamine -- a brain chemical linked to reward and motivation. The findings suggest that this dopamine spike may play a role in triggering compulsive overeating. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228104308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222122204.htm Researchers reveal a new social support group that's emerging on the Web -- a secretive society to encourage negative behaviors associated with eating disorders. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222122204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214102124.htm Women suffering from anorexia or bulimia draw themselves with prominently different characteristics than women who do not have eating disorders and who are considered of normal weight, suggests a new study. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214102124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110207091754.htm The more time adolescent girls spend in front of Facebook, the more their chances of developing a negative body image and various eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and exaggerated dieting, according to a new study. Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110207091754.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110106191606.htm Scientists in Connecticut have carried out one of the first psychological studies into eating disorders in Native American (NA) populations. The research provides new insights into the extent to which Native American populations experience eating disorders, revealing that women are more likely to report behavioral symptoms then men, while challenging views that NA men and ethnically white men will experience different psychological symptoms. Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110106191606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101119120840.htm Scientists have identified both common and rare gene variants associated with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. In the largest genetic study of this psychiatric disorder, the researchers found intriguing clues to genes they are subjecting to further investigation, including genes active in neuronal signaling and in shaping interconnections among brain cells. Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101119120840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101105152114.htm Dealing with extended family, increased commitments and even celebratory occasions can cause a compulsive overeater to gain too much weight during the holiday season. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101105152114.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101029122213.htm A new study has found that women with anorexia nervosa are much more likely to have both unplanned pregnancies and induced abortions than women who don't have the serious eating disorder. Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101029122213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101019212918.htm The eating disorder anorexia nervosa may cause potentially serious eye damage, a new study suggests. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101019212918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101007184116.htm An alarming number of adolescents already battling eating disorders are also intentionally cutting themselves, and health-care providers may be failing to diagnose many instances of such self-injury, according to a new study. Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101007184116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004162823.htm Family-based therapy, in which parents of adolescents with anorexia nervosa are enlisted to interrupt their children's disordered behaviors, is twice as effective as individual psychotherapy at producing full remission of the disease, new research shows. Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004162823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823192311.htm While the start of college is a positive, momentous event for many young people, it also can be an episode that pushes some into a dangerous battle with eating disorders, says a psychologist who fought her own battle against bulimia as a college student. Hear her story. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823192311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100705073924.htm Food presented in a virtual reality environment causes the same emotional responses as real food. Researchers compared the responses of people with anorexia and bulimia, and a control group, to the virtual and real-life snacks, suggesting that virtual food can be used for the evaluation and treatment of eating disorders. Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100705073924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100617160001.htm Websites that promote anorexia and bulimia offer interactive communities where site users can encourage one another in unhealthy eating behaviors, yet the majority of these sites also recognize eating disorders as a disease, according to new research. Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100617160001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100604132043.htm For the first time, scientists have discovered a possible biological culprit in the development of eating disorders during puberty: a type of estrogen called estradiol. Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100604132043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100526095654.htm Psychologists and neuroscientists have found that adult brain volume, which can be reduced by Anorexia Nervosa, can be regained. The research revealed that through specialist treatment patients with this eating disorder can reverse this symptom and regain gray matter volume. Wed, 26 May 2010 09:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100526095654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100512125230.htm Researchers in Canada have discovered a link between childhood sexual and emotional abuse and binge eating disorder in adulthood. Wed, 12 May 2010 12:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100512125230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100510161256.htm Pathological gambling, compulsive shopping, binge eating and other impulse control disorders appear to be more common among individuals taking dopamine agonist medications for Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. Mon, 10 May 2010 16:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100510161256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100412075434.htm Diagnostic cutoffs for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa may be too strict, a study has found. Many patients who do not meet full criteria for these diseases are nevertheless quite ill, and the diagnosis they now receive, "Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified," may delay their ability to get treatment. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100412075434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100401101009.htm A new study finds that a self-guided, 12-week program helps binge eaters stop binging for up to a year and the program can also save money for those who participate. Recurrent binge eating is the most common eating disorder in the country, affecting more than three percent of the population, or nine million people, yet few treatment options are available. Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100401101009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100317112101.htm Norwegian research reveal the nature of emotional problems experienced by mothers with eating difficulties. Guilt and shame are key factors. Health workers need better training in order to be able to spot and alleviate such problems. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100317112101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100311123618.htm Diabetics, under the gun to better manage their disease by controlling their food intake and weight, may find themselves in the sticky wicket of needing treatment that makes them hungry, researchers said. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100311123618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100210001247.htm The American Psychiatric Association has released the proposed draft diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The draft criteria represent content changes under consideration for DSM, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health and other health professionals, and is used for diagnostic and research purposes. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100210001247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209152229.htm Researchers have found that girls with anorexia, despite being emaciated, have strikingly high levels of fat in their bone marrow. This can be visualized in MRIs of the knee. The researchers believe that malnutrition causes hormonal alterations that push mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow to form fat cells rather than bone-forming cells. This may explain why patients with anorexia have bone loss. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209152229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091218133307.htm Several maladaptive eating behaviors, beyond anorexia, can affect women. Indeed, some 10 to 15 percent of women have maladaptive eating behaviors and attitudes according to new study. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091218133307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215121055.htm Scientists have piloted psychotherapy treatment to prevent excessive weight gain in teenager girls deemed "at risk" of obesity. Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215121055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091214075223.htm Only about half of American children and teenagers who have certain mental disorders receive professional services, according to a nationally representative survey. Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091214075223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119101215.htm Substances that provoke gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with eating disorders (ED) can impact negatively on their nutritional rehabilitation. An Australian research group has found that ingestion of fructose-sorbitol (F-S) provoked gastrointestinal symptoms in more than half of a group of female ED patients, and symptoms were more marked in the most underweight patients. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119101215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162457.htm Existing research has shown that rates of binge eating are almost identical between white and African-American adult women. A new study finds that among college age women, rates are higher among Caucasian women. When do rates begin to match up, and why? Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908151334.htm Using an animal model of binge eating, researchers discovered that deactivating the basolateral amygdala, a brain region involved in regulating emotion, specifically blocked consumption of a fatty diet. Surprisingly, it had no effect on the rat wanting to look for the food repeatedly. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908151334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817143600.htm Although exercise is good for your health, extreme exercise may be physically addicting. Rats given a drug that produces withdrawal in heroin addicts went into withdrawal after running excessively in exercise wheels, according to new research. Rats that ran the hardest had the most severe withdrawal symptoms. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817143600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803092612.htm Anorexic patients drastically reduce food intake and are often not capable of changing their behavior. This can lead to life-threatening weight loss. Using MRI technology, scientists have discovered for the first time processes in brain metabolism that explain this disturbed eating behavior. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803092612.htm