The Need to Increase Help-Seeking for Eating Disorders in General and Binge-Eating Disorder Specifically: Commentary on Ali et al.'s (2024) Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Ali et al.'s (2024) systematic review and meta-analysis updated a previous meta-analysis on the gap between the need for eating disorder treatment and rates of seeking and receiving eating disorder treatment. They found that less than one-third of individuals with eating disorders sought help for their eating disorder, which was an improvement of only 8% over more than a decade. This updated analysis makes it apparent that we need to dedicate research and resources to meeting this treatment need. Building on this work, this commentary reviews changes in help-seeking behaviors, particularly online help-seeking. The commentary also discusses binge-eating disorder (BED) help-seeking because the addition of BED as a diagnosis occurred in the time between the original and updated meta-analysis. Barriers to seeking eating disorder treatment, including identifying behaviors as indicative of an eating disorder and problematic, appear pronounced among individuals with BED. The commentary concludes by highlighting that it is essential to direct research and policy efforts along multiple pathways to close the gap between those who need and those who seek eating disorder treatment.