Background: Anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa require refeeding as a core part of their treatment, and enteral tube nutrition (ETN) may be needed in some individuals either to supplement or replace oral nutrition. This scoping review aimed to explore outcomes associated with phases of ETN, including initial nutrition, transition from enteral nutrition to oral intake, and to overall nutrition; Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist was used. A systematic search was performed using the Ovid and the Web of Science databases, using relevant search terms identifying 37 studies to be included in the review. Quantitative and qualitative data were synthesised and presented; Results: ETN resulted in similar or higher weight gain than oral nutrition. Refeeding syndrome parameters were comparable between ETN and oral nutrition with some indication that prophylactic phosphate supported mitigation of hypophosphataemia. Global psychological parameters related to the eating disorder improved with nutrition; however, there was an indication that weight and shape concerns did not improve during this period. There was a lack of evidence related to transition from ETN to oral intake. Qualitative data indicated meanings attached to the tube, suggesting that additional support may be needed for the transition away from the tube. Furthermore, consideration may be required to support individuals in mitigating trauma related to ETN under restraint; Conclusions: ETN, when required, is a viable alternative to oral intake. Results indicated the need for further research, especially in the transition from ETN to oral intake with regard to strategies of transition and support, and outcomes related to these strategies.

Background/Objectives: Recent research has established that metabolic factors may increase the vulnerability to develop anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of this study was to explore the serum concentrations of leptin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin and insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1) as possible state or trait biomarkers for AN in the acute and recovery (recAN) phases. Our secondary aim was to test associations between the tested markers and demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study included data from 56 participants with AN, 24 recAN participants and 51 healthy controls (HCs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to quantify serum concentrations of leptin, IGF-1, insulin and IRS-1. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and linear regression models were utilised to test our results. Results: There were significant differences with a large effect size between the groups for serum leptin (p < 0.001; d = 0.80), whereby people with AN had lower leptin than those with recAN (p = 0.023; d = 0.35) and HCs (p < 0.001; d = 0.74). The between-group comparison of IGF-1 did not reach significance, although the effect size was moderate (d = 0.6) and was driven by lower levels of IGF-1 in people with acute AN compared to HCs (p = 0.036; d = 0.53). Serum insulin and IRS-1 did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Low leptin levels seen in individuals with AN may be due to starvation leading to fatty tissue depletion. Understanding the regulation of IGF-1 and insulin signalling over the course of the disorder requires further investigation.

Studies suggest that there is a relationship between inflammatory diseases, inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and psychiatric disorders. In eating disorders, cross-sectional studies have recently examined peripheral CRP levels in blood serum and plasma, which allow a comprehensive meta-analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined studies from three databases, measuring CRP levels in people with eating disorders, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total n = 14 publications were included into the systematic review. Of these, n = 13 cross-sectional papers with N = 700 participants were meta-analysed, n = 11 in anorexia nervosa (AN) and n = 2 in binge eating disorder (BED). One study of the total n = 14 was narratively summarised because it was not suitable for inclusion into the meta-analysis. In the cross-sectional analyses, CRP levels were significantly lower in people with AN compared to health controls (HCs), but CRP level were higher in people with BED compared to HCs. Patients with AN appear to have lower CRP levels compared to healthy controls. This could be a result of malnutrition or specific nutritional deficiencies. Due to the reduced CRP levels in AN, patients might be at risk for bacterial infections or developing autoimmune diseases, and clinicians might fail to notice an inflammatory process or an infection. In contrast, patients with BED were found to have higher CRP level than healthy controls which might be a consequence of an inflammatory response triggered by overeating, disordered eating patterns and the consumption of low-quality food during binges.

Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN), remission rates are moderate, and mortality is high. Olanzapine is used as adjunct therapy for AN in case of insufficient response to first-line treatments, even though the evidence is limited. Its effect on eating disorder (ED) psychopathology, its efficacy and tolerability, and its acceptability and adherence rate are unclear. We assessed the feasibility of a future definitive trial on olanzapine in young people with AN in an open-label, one-armed feasibility study that aimed to include 55 patients with AN or atypical AN aged 12–24 who gained < 2 kg within at least one month of treatment as usual (TAU) during outpatient, inpatient, or day-care treatment. Time points for assessments were at baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 6 or 12 months. We estimated the following planning parameters: Recruitment rate (number of patients who agreed to take olanzapine/number eligible), adherence rate (number adhering to treatment/number recruited) and attrition rate (number completing study assessments/number recruited). In addition, two exploratory effect size parameters were estimated: Mean change in body mass index (BMI) and mean change in ED psychopathology. Fifty-two people were pre-screened (June 2022 to May 2023; 10 study sites in England). 13 were ineligible at pre-screening . Of the 39 approached, 4 were found ineligible at screening. Of the remaining 35 eligible, 10 declined and 5 did not take part for other reasons. Thus, 20 participants were recruited and started olanzapine (recruitment rate: 20/35 = 57

Disgust and self-disgust are aversive emotions which are often encountered in people with eating disorders. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of disgust and self-disgust in people with eating disorders using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The systematic review of the literature revealed 52 original research papers. There was substantial heterogeneity regarding the research question and outcomes. However, we found 5 articles on disgust elicited by food images, 10 studies on generic disgust sensitivity, and 4 studies on self-disgust, and we proceeded to a meta-analytic approach on these studies. We found that women with eating disorders have significantly higher momentary disgust feelings in response to food images (1.32; 95% CI 1.05, 1.59), higher generic disgust sensitivity (0.49; 95% CI 0.24, 0.71), and higher self-disgust (1.90; 95% CI 1.51, 2.29) compared with healthy controls. These findings indicate the potential clinical relevance of disgust and self-disgust in the treatment of eating disorders.

Weight gain and metabolic disturbances are frequent in people treated with second generation antipsychotics (SGA). We aimed to investigate the effect of SGAs on eating behaviors, cognitions and emotions, as a possible contributor to this adverse effect. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Original articles measuring outcomes relating to eating cognitions, behaviours and emotions, during treatment with SGAs were included in this review. A total of 92 papers with 11,274 participants were included from three scientific da-tabases (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycInfo). Results were synthesized descriptively except for the continuous data where meta-analyses were performed and for the binary data where odds ratios were calculated. Hunger was increased in participants treated with SGAs with an odds ratio for appetite increase of 1.51 (95% CI [1.04, 1.97]; z = 6.40; p < 0.001). Compared to controls, our results showed that craving for fat and carbohydrates are the highest among other craving subscales. There was a small increase in dietary disinhibition (SMD = 0.40) and restrained eating (SMD = 0.43) in participants treated with SGAs compared to controls and substantial het-erogeneity across studies reporting these eating traits. There were few studies examining other eating-related outcomes such as food addiction, satiety, fullness, caloric intake and dietary quality and habits. Understand-ing the mechanisms associated with appetite and eating-related psychopathology changes in patients treated with antipsychotics is needed to reliably inform the development of effective preventative strategies.

Recent research has revealed the pivotal role that the gut microbiota might play in psychiatric disorders. In anorexia nervosa (AN), the gut microbiota may be involved in pathophysiology as well as in the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms commonly experienced. This review collates evidence for the potential role of gut microbiota in AN, including modulation of the immune system, the gut-brain axis and GI function. We examined studies comparing gut microbiota in AN with healthy controls as well as those looking at modifications in gut microbiota with nutritional treatment. Changes in energy intake and nutritional composition influence gut microbiota and may play a role in the evolution of the gut microbial picture in AN. Additionally, some evidence indicates that pre-morbid gut microbiota may influence risk of developing AN. There appear to be similarities in gut microbial composition, mechanisms of interaction and GI symptoms experienced in AN and other GI disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and functional GI disorders. Probiotics and prebiotics have been studied in these disorders showing therapeutic effects of probiotics in some cases. Additionally, some evidence exists for the therapeutic benefits of probiotics in depression and anxiety, commonly seen as co-morbidities in AN. Moreover, preliminary evidence for the use of probiotics in AN has shown positive effects on immune modulation. Based on these findings, we discuss the potential therapeutic role for probiotics in ameliorating symptoms in AN.

The emotion of disgust is thought to play a critical role in maintaining restrictive eating among individuals with anorexia nervosa. This exploratory cross-sectional study examined correlations between food-specific trait and state disgust, eating disorder psychopathology, illness severity (body mass index: BMI), and interactions with virtual foods in people with anorexia nervosa. Food-specific trait disgust and eating disorder symptoms were measured before exposure to virtual foods in one of three virtual reality (VR) kitchens to which participants were randomly allocated. Food interactions (eye gaze and reaching towards virtual foods) were measured during the VR exposure. Food-specific state disgust ratings were collected after the VR exposure. In the entire sample, eating disorder symptoms correlated positively with food-specific trait disgust (rs (68) = 0.45, p < 0.001). We also found a significant association between food-specific state disgust and eating disorder symptoms in each virtual kitchen scenario: virtual kitchen only (rs (22) = 0.40, p = 0.05), virtual kitchen plus pet (rs (22) = 0.80, p < 0.001), and virtual kitchen plus avatar (rs (20) = 0.78, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was observed for the link between food-specific disgust measures and food-related touch. Correlations between food-specific trait disgust and food-related eye gaze differed across scenarios. The current experimental paradigm needs to be improved to draw firm conclusions. Both food-specific trait and state disgust are associated with eating disorder psychopathology, and therefore, effective strategies are warranted to attenuate food-specific disgust.

Introduction Evidence is growing for the bio-immuno-metabolic model of pathogenesis in anorexia nervosa (AN), an eating disorder with a chronic and relapsing nature. The role of the gut microbiome in this process is also receiving intense research interest. The gut microbiome and the use of probiotics and prebiotics have been extensively studied in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and functional GI disorders (FGIDs). Exploring links between AN and these GI disorders may open new avenues of treatment such as the use of probiotics and prebiotics in AN. Objectives This review explores: i) GI presentation in AN and its relationship with the gut microbiome ii) factors influencing the gut microbiome presentation in AN including dietary patterns iii) whether the gut microbiome may be involved in the pathogenesis and maintenance of AN iv) gut microbiome presentation in GI disorders and commonalities with AN v) evidence for the potential use of probiotics and prebiotics as adjunct treatment in AN. Methods GI symptomatology and gut microbiome presentation in AN were examined through literature searches. Gut microbiome changes related to common dietary patterns in AN were explored. Microbiome changes that may influence development or maintenance of AN were considered. Microbiome alterations seen in relevant GI disorders were explored and commonalities considered between these and alterations in the microbiome in AN. Literature searches were performed for the use of probiotics and prebiotics in AN and relevant GI disorders. Results GI symptoms occur commonly in AN with evidence suggesting some symptoms continuing beyond weight restoration. Significant disruption of the gut microbiome has been associated with AN with some changes related to typical dietary patterns seen during AN development. Additionally, similarities exist between microbiome alterations in AN and those seen in IBD and FGIDs indicating factors apart from the diet, such as a pro-inflammatory milieu, in play. These changes may not only influence GI presentation in AN but may also have a role in maintenance of the disorder. Some evidence suggests that the pre-morbid gut microbiome may influence risk for AN development. Preliminary evidence of the use of probiotics in AN indicates a positive influence on immune modulation although no evidence exists as yet of their influence on AN symptomatology. There has been extensive research into the use of probiotics and prebiotics in IBD and FGIDs with some evidence for reduction in disease parameters and symptomatology with the use of multi-strain probiotics. Conclusions Some theoretical, mechanistic and clinical evidence exists for the use of probiotics in ameliorating GI symptoms in AN. However, further research is needed into the context of the gut microbiome changes in AN, the specifics of efficacy and the effects that probiotics and prebiotics may have in AN. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

The prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) is growing, and early screening is important to prevent related health complications. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) has been widely used as a diagnostic tool to identify cases of EDs; however, a validated Arabic version of the tool is needed to help in the screening process of EDs. The aim of this study was to validate the Arabic version of EDE-Q. A cross-sectional study included a sample of 549 adults, who were recruited mainly from the four major provinces in Saudi Arabia. A forward–backward translation method was conducted, and then the tool was validated using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The dataset was split for further convergent analysis using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and CFA. The results of CFA from the main dataset did not support the four-factor original EDE-Q. The results of EFA from the first data-split suggested a three-factor EDE-Q-14 Arabic version. This was supported by the results of CFA of the second data-split. A total of five items were allocated in each shape and weight concern, and restraint component, with correlations ranging from 0.969 and 0.462 and from 0.847 to 0.437, respectively. A total of four items were allocated in eating concern, with correlations ranging from 0.748 to 0.556. The internal consistency of the global and the three subscales were high, with Cronbach’s α ranging from 0.762 to 0.900. Findings of the current study suggest that the Arabic version of the EDE-Q-14 is a valid and reliable tool to screen for EDs among adults in Saudi Arabia.

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) can present with profound effects on multiple organ systems as a result of malnutrition. Enteral tube nutrition (EN) may be indicated as a means of vital nutritional rehabilitation in individuals with medical instability, food refusal or inability in accepting enough oral nutrition or may be used as part of a refeeding protocol in some centres. Individuals treated with EN will need to transition back to oral intake to continue their nutritional rehabilitation. This transition may affect outcomes related to nutritional and psychological parameters as well as longer term outcomes such as length of treatment and rates of relapse. Previous systematic reviews have considered outcomes related to nasogastric tube feeding or EN in eating disorders or comparisons with oral intake where available. This systematic scoping review will endeavour to add to the evidence base by examining outcomes related to EN in AN and AAN while also specifically considering transition from EN back to oral intake and any gaps in literature in these contexts. Methods employed will be database searches following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Data extracted will be synthesised based on outcomes related to early and established EN as well as transition to oral intake.

Music-based interventions are not physically invasive, they usually have minimal side effects, and they are increasingly being implemented during the birthing process for pain and anxiety relief. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise and evaluate published, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of music-based interventions for pain and anxiety management during vaginal labour and caesarean delivery. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of the literature was conducted using: PsychInfo (Ovid), PubMed, and Web of Science. Studies were included in the review if they were RCTs that assessed the effects of music on pain and anxiety during vaginal and caesarean delivery by human mothers. A narrative synthesis was conducted on 28 identified studies with a total of 2835 participants. Most, but not all, of the included studies assessing music-based interventions resulted in reduced anxiety and pain during vaginal and caesarean delivery. Music as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy, participant-selected music, music coupled with another therapy, and relaxing/instrumental music was specifically useful for reducing light to moderate pain and anxiety. Music-based interventions show promising effects in mitigating pain and anxiety in women during labour. However, the long-term effects of these interventions are unclear.

Emotional overeating is a process that is particularly relevant to people within the binge spectrum of eating disorders. Approximately a third of people with overweight share this phenotype. In addition, this behaviour may occur in neurodevelopmental disorders (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) and other psychiatric disorders. The biopsychosocial underpinnings of emotional eating include a genetic vulnerability to a higher weight and various cognitive and emotional traits. The environment also plays a key role. For example, the commodification of food and beauty and exposure to weight stigma, unpleasant eating experiences and general adversity can set the scene. The majority of people with binge-eating disorder do not seek treatment (perhaps related to internalised stigma and shame). Hence opportunities for early intervention and secondary prevention are lost. Most guidelines for binge-eating disorder (based on the limited available research) recommend forms of cognitive psychotherapies and antidepressants. However, novel treatments that target underlying mechanisms are in development. These include interventions to improve emotional regulation and inhibitory control using neuromodulation and/or brain training. New technologies have been applied to talking therapies, including apps which can offer 'just-in-time interventions' or virtual reality or avatar work which can deliver more personalised interventions using complex scenarios. Drugs used for the treatment of ADHD, psychiatric and metabolic disorders may have the potential to be repurposed for binge-eating disorder. Thus, this is an area of rapid change with novel solutions being applied to this problem.

BACKGROUND:Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most globally common chronic diseases. Metformin is the most popular prescribed medication for the treatment of diabetes. Studies suggest that metformin is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, which may impart adverse health complications.OBJECTIVE:This review screens the literature to clarify the effect of metformin on vitamin B12 deficiency among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.METHODS:Google Scholar, PubMed, Research Gate, and Semantic Scholar, were searched for the association between metformin intake and vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using relevant keywords and their combinations. Selected studies were those conducted on patients taking metformin with no vitamin B12 supplement. Nineteen studies (fifteen observational studies and four randomized controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria. These studies were assessed for design, setting, study population, and overall quality.RESULTS:There is a positive correlation between metformin intake and vitamin B12 deficiency. This has been accompanied by increased homocysteine and decreased folate levels. Despite the refuting of the findings, most studies showed that higher doses of metformin were strongly associated with lower vitamin B12 levels, while the duration of treatment was not.CONCLUSION:Regular measurement of vitamin B12 levels during long-term metformin treatment is recommended. A clear policy should be in place to illuminate the importance of this screening in preventing vitamin B12 deficiency complications. Taking therapeutic supplements or injections of vitamin B12 along with a vitamin B12-rich diet may decrease the incidence of its deficiency in diabetic patients taking metformin.

ABSTRACT Background: Mandatory menu calorie labeling in restaurants is gaining popularity around the world as a beneficial strategy for promoting balanced energy consumption and encouraging healthier meal choices to lower obesity rates. Until now, calorie labeling effects on food purchasing are unclear. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the calorie label-based purchasing, awareness, and factors that affect school-age children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire with simulated restaurant menus was distributed to determine the costumer’s behavior toward food purchasing. We targeted 431 school-aged children and adolescents (ages ranging from 7 to 18 years old). Results: Approximately half of participants (51%) noted the calorie labeling on the menu, although only 17% made a purchase based on the calorie labeling, and those who exercise regularly were more calorie-based purchasers in this study ( P < 0.001). The association between knowledge and calorie label-based purchasing was significant. When the level of knowledge was compared to other demographic characteristics, it was determined that father’s education ( P = 0.040) and physical activity ( P = 0.015) showed a significant association even though nutrition education was provided to only 29% of participants in schools. Conclusions: The collected data clarifies children’s and adolescents’ attitudes toward calorie labeling, in addition to the other factors that influence restaurant ordering decisions.