Eating disorder or disordered eating? Non-normative eating patterns in obese individuals.
Binge eating disorder (BED) and night eating syndrome (NES) are putative eating disorders frequently seen in obese individuals. Data suggest that BED fulfills criteria for a mental disorder. Criteria for NES are evolving but at present do not require distress or functional impairment. It remains unclear whether BED and NES, as they are currently defined, are optimally useful for characterizing distinct patient subgroups. We propose that a distinction be made between "eating disorders" and "non-normative" eating patterns without associated distress or impairment. Although non-normative eating patterns may not be considered mental disorders, they may be very important in terms of their impact on body weight and health. More precise behavioral and metabolic characterization of subgroups with eating disorders and non-normative eating behaviors has important implications for understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of obesity. Ultimately, better understanding of the many pathways to increased energy intake may lead to targeted strategies for prevention of overweight and obesity in at-risk individuals and populations.
Unit on Growth and Obesity, Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 10N262 MSC 1862, Bethesda, MD 20892-1862. tanofskm@mail.nih.gov.
Marian
M
Tanofsky-Kraff
Susan Z
SZ
Yanovski
D002032:Bulimia / Q000150:complications; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D015431:Weight Loss