Eating and weight disorders: How are they related? A narrative review

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders are conditions that include abnormal eating behaviors such as excessive or insufficient intake, and which can lead to mental and physical health. Rates of mortality were high among socially isolated individuals as they can be more stressed and depressed. Thus, these disorders must be treated instantly to prevent the deteriorations. In this narrative review, we focus on the association between eating disorders and obesity especially among adolescents. Materials and Methods: A search of periodical literature by the author involving eating disorders and obesity was carried out. Items were identified initially through health-oriented indexing services such as Medline, Health STAR, and Cinahl, looking up for articles published in English language, from 2010 to 2020. Results: Obesity rates were more among adolescents who used to skip their main meals. Whereas, skipping meals were also reported among adolescents who suffered from eating disorders. Both obesity and eating disorders were thought treated by psychological, physical, and dietary approaches. Conclusion: This review is focused on the eating disorders that result in obesity. There is much need for research and development of medications and new innovative treatments to address this growing problem. Research will shed new light on pathways in the brain, which once revealed as related to the abnormal patterns of eating behavior can be modified and changed to successfully help these patients.