Eating Disorders in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: A Systematic Review

Requests for support by pregnant women with eating disorder symptoms: a systematic literature review of qualitative studies

BACKGROUND

During the peripartum period, four to 13 percent of women may be affected by eating disorders (ED). Previous reviews of qualitative studies in pregnant women with ED have mainly focused on the women's experiences during pregnancy and not on their expressed needs. This systematic review aimed to identify which types of support were requested by pregnant women with ED.

METHODS

The review was conducted in accordance with the "Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research" (ENTREQ) guidelines. Search for studies published between 1/1 2011- 14/3 2023 and 14/3 2023-9/1 2025, were performed in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Scopus. Studies were included if (1) the study population was pregnant women with ED symptoms /ED/ problems with food and eating, and (2) the study was an original qualitative study, and (3) the article was written in English. Rayyan, the AI-powered tool for systematic reviews, was used. Inclusion criteria were based on the SPICE-format. The CASP tool was used to assess quality in the included studies. Selected studies were read and critically appraised by two independent reviewers and a descriptive synthesis was conducted of expressed wishes for support based on quotes from the included studies. This review was preregistered in Prospero, 1/9 2023, (CRD42023456326).

RESULTS

Of 992 studies, only five fulfilled the inclusion criteria. From these studies three themes emerged: wish for support from health care, wish to get support from a partner and wish to use self-help strategies.

CONCLUSION

This review found a knowledge gap regarding the type of support requested by pregnant women with ED symptoms. In this study, we aimed to explore the existing literature on the needs of support expressed by pregnant women with eating disorders. We reviewed studies published between 2011 and 2025, and found only five that partially addressed these needs. Three main themes emerged: wish for support, self-help strategies, and support from a partner. Our findings showed that the women expressed a desire for their midwives to have enough knowledge about eating disorders to bring up the topic and talk about it with them. We also identified a gap in the literature, highlight the need for more qualitative research to better understand the specific support these women want and need during pregnancy. The role of the partner in providing support should also be addressed in future research.

Urban greenness for the protection of adverse effects of noise on human health: A PRISMA systematic review

BACKGROUND

The interaction between urban noise and human health is a critical area of research, with evidence suggesting a negative impact on chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. However, the potential mitigating role of urban green spaces on noise perception and its effects remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to evaluate the role of urban green spaces in reducing noise exposure and its health effects, providing an updated overview of the existing literature.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023467385). Three scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for studies published between January 2000 and January 2025. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies and the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for experimental studies.

RESULTS

Out of 11,435 initially identified articles, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The evidence suggests that green spaces can help reduce noise-related distress, improve quality of life, and lower the risk of diseases associated with chronic stress.

CONCLUSIONS

While there are indications of the positive role of urban greenery in mitigating noise and its health effects, the quality of evidence remains variable. Future research should adopt more standardized methodologies for measuring noise exposure and health outcomes, as well as better control for confounding factors. These insights are essential for guiding urban planning policies and improving quality of life in cities.

Exploring the Relationship Between Eating Disorders and Reproductive Health, with a Focus on Fertility, Obstetric, and Fetal Outcomes: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Eating disorders can profoundly impact reproductive health in females, spanning from the onset of puberty through menopause. The impact is due to a variety of factors, including nutritional status, body fat percentage, and hormone regulation. Notably, fertility and pregnancy are particularly vulnerable to undernutrition and disordered eating. This narrative review provides a comprehensive summary and discussion of available literature from the past 5 years exploring the impact of eating disorders on fertility, obstetric outcomes, and fetal outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current literature demonstrates that EDs can have a negative impact on fertility, obstetric outcomes, and fetal outcomes. Primary research and systematic reviews support associations including increased use of assisted reproductive treatment for infertility, anemia and hyperemesis during pregnancy, and preterm delivery. Associated fetal outcomes include infant low birth weight, small for gestational age, and microcephaly. EDs, when unrecognized and left untreated, can negatively impact fertility, obstetric outcomes, and fetal outcomes. It is important for providers to be aware of these associations and implement screening to identify at-risk patients, as appropriate treatment can improve reproductive outcomes.

Does Maternal Diet Vary During the Postpartum Period According to Infant Feeding Type? The Observational Study GREEN MOTHER

Background: Breastfeeding mothers have an increased demand for nutrients, including increased intake of certain nutrients, and are recommended to consume a theoretical 500 extra kilocalories (kcal), follow a varied diet, and increase protein, carbohydrate, omega-3, iron, and vitamin D intake. Objectives: We sought to analyze mothers' energy and nutrient intake and food habits during the postpartum period 6 weeks after delivery and to identify whether there are any differences between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter observational study at seven sexual and reproductive healthcare centers in the Metropolitan North area of Barcelona (Spain). The sample comprised 393 women who responded to an infant feeding questionnaire and 24 h diet recall (24 HR). We used frequencies and medians for descriptive analysis as well as the chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests for the bivariate analysis. Results: Mean energy intake was lower than the recommendations in 57% of participants. Mothers who exclusively breastfed consumed a median of 201 kcal more than non-breastfeeding mothers, although this was not significant. The intake of fatty acids and micronutrients, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and especially vitamin D, was insufficient. Breastfeeding mothers consumed significantly more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (p = 0.0297): 15.4 g vs. 12.7 g per day. Conclusions: There are no significant differences between the diet of breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women, except for PUFA intake. A general insufficient intake of the analyzed micronutrients was observed. Educational campaigns and dietary guidance from health professionals are a priority.

A systematic review of the clinical practice guidelines for the assessment, management and treatment of eating disorders during the perinatal period

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders during the perinatal period can pose significant risks to both the mother and the baby. Clinical practice guidelines include statements of expected practice intending to improve effectiveness and quality of care within health care services. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesise current clinical practice guideline recommendations on the assessment, management and treatment of eating disorders during the perinatal period.

METHODS

Three bibliographic databases and five guideline repository databases were searched alongside the grey literature. Guidelines were screened against eligibility criteria and recommendations for the assessment, management or treatment of eating disorders during the perinatal period were extracted. All included guidelines were assessed for quality using the AGREE-II tool. Recommendations were analysed and summarised using narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

From the 242 records screened, 17 met inclusion criteria. Guideline quality ranged from three out of seven to seven out of seven. Six overall recommendations were formed from the narrative synthesis of data: 1) Early detection: recognising the signs and symptoms, 2) Assessment and screening: a three-pronged approach, 3) Educating and supporting the mother: the importance of knowledge, 4) Cross-system collaboration, 5) Psychological, pharmacological and medical treatment, and 6) Continued monitoring.

CONCLUSION

Perinatal eating disorder guideline recommendations were fairly consistent but showed considerable variability in quality and depth of recommendations. Recommendations require further contextualisation, to allow them to be operationalised and implemented within services. The review findings provide an initial framework for health care professionals responsible for supporting women with eating disorders during the perinatal period, and have several implications for policy, service delivery and health outcomes for women and their families.

Maternal Eating Disorders and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Previous systematic reviews have reported on the relationship between eating disorders (EDs) and birth outcomes, but there are no existing meta-analyses on this topic. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the association between lifetime maternal EDs, including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge-eating disorder (BED) with low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), and miscarriage. Four databases were systematically searched for quantitative literature on maternal EDs that preceded birth outcomes. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The meta-analyses included 6 studies on miscarriage, 11 on PTB, 4 on LBW, 9 on SGA, and 4 on LGA. The Mantel-Haenszel random effects model was used to test the associations between EDs and birth outcomes. The results showed significant positive associations between AN and LBW (OR 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49, 2.03), AN and SGA (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17, 1.65), BN and PTB (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04, 1.36), and BED and LGA (OR 1.43 95% CI 1.18, 1.72). EDs were not significantly correlated with miscarriage. These findings reveal the importance of screening for and treating EDs in pregnant women.

Prevalence and related factors of eating disorders in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To reveal the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) and related factors in pregnancy.

METHODS

The search was performed in PubMed, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Ovid databases search up to April 3, 2022, using the keywords combination of "(eating disorders OR anorexia nervosa OR bulimia nervosa OR binge eating disorder) AND (pregnancy OR pregnant)". Two researchers independently extracted data from the articles using a standard form. We evaluated the quality of the studies according to the Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tools.

RESULTS

The prevalence of EDs in pregnant women in the 11 studies involving 2,369,520 pregnant women was ranging between 0.5 and 10.6%. The prevalence of EDs in pregnant women was 4.3% (95% confidence interval 2%-9%; I2 = 99.5%). The prevalence of anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder during pregnancy shows a statistically significant increase compared to pre-pregnancy, and the prevalence of bulimia nervosa during pregnancy decreases. The prevalence of EDs is higher in pregnant women under 30 years of age, secondary school graduates, married, and with normal BMI. Half of the pregnant women with EDs had anxiety and about one-third of pregnant women had depression. Excessive exercise is observed in 0.7% of pregnant women, fasting in 0.3%, laxative or diuretic use in 0.1%, and self-induced vomiting in 0.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is important as it is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to reveal the global prevalence of EDs in pregnant women and related factors. Continuing routine screening tests to detect EDs during pregnancy may contribute to taking special preventive measures for risk groups and protecting mother-child health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number (CRD42022324721), date of registration: 10/05/2022.

Feasibility of Telehealth and Innovative Technologies to Limit Excessive Gestational Weight Gain

OBJECTIVE

To test the feasibility of using telehealth to deliver nutritional counseling by tracking gestational weight gain remotely using Bluetooth weight scales.

DESIGN

Quasi-experimental feasibility study.

SETTING

One-on-one nutritional counseling was conducted remotely via a telehealth platform using a registered dietitian.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-nine pregnant individuals ages 18 years or older, between 12 and 27 weeks' gestation, with a prepregnancy body mass index of ≥30 kg/m2, singleton fetus, and English proficiency were recruited for the study. Among the 29 potential participants, 20 completed the initial survey and met the criteria; 11 completed the study.

METHODS

This study tested the feasibility of using telehealth to deliver nutritional counseling for 30 minutes, once a week, for 6 weeks. Self-weighing was tracked through a preconfigured Bluetooth scale given to study participants that enabled weight data to be automatically uploaded each time the scale was used.

RESULTS

Among the 11 study participants receiving Bluetooth scales, adherence to self-weighing was high (81%). All five participants randomized to nutritional counseling found that telehealth visits with a registered dietitian were easy to use and helpful. Although participants who received nutritional counseling gained 2.5 lb less than those who did not receive nutritional counseling (p = .523), there was no significant difference between the intervention group and historical control individuals (p = .716).

CONCLUSION

Incorporating telehealth for nutrition counseling and accurate remote weight data collection may be part of a comprehensive strategy to address gestational weight gain in high-risk pregnant populations. Further research with larger samples is needed.

Hyperemesis gravidarum and eating disorders before and after pregnancy: A register-based study

OBJECTIVE

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of excessive vomiting during pregnancy. The connection between psychiatric morbidity and HG has been debated, but only a few studies have focused on eating disorders (EDs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between HG and both pre-pregnancy and new post-pregnancy EDs.

METHODS

A register-based controlled study. HG diagnoses were retrieved from healthcare registers between 2005 and 2017. Women with HG in their first pregnancy resulting in delivery were chosen as cases (n = 4265; the HG group) and women with no HG as controls (n = 302,663; the non-HG group). The associations between EDs and HG were analyzed by binary logistic regression, adjusted with age, body mass index, smoking, socioeconomic status, and pre-pregnancy psychiatric diagnoses.

RESULTS

In the HG group, 1.6% and in the non-HG group, 0.2% had a pre-pregnancy ED. Women with ED were more likely to have HG in their first pregnancy compared with women with no history of EDs (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 9.4, 95% CI 6.52-13.66, p < .0001). Moreover, 0.4% of the women in the HG group and 0.1% of the women in the non-HG group had a new ED diagnosis after pregnancy, and thus the women in the HG group were more likely to have an ED diagnosis after pregnancy (AOR I 3.5, 95% CI 1.71-7.15, p < .001, AOR II 2.7, 95% CI 1.30-5.69, p = .008).

DISCUSSION

We found a bidirectional association between ED and HG, suggesting a shared etiology or risk factors between these disorders. This finding emphasizes the importance of collaboration across various specialties when treating these patients.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings suggest a bidirectional association between HG and EDs before and after pregnancy. This finding provides essential information for healthcare professionals working with pregnant women. As both of these disorders are known to have far-reaching effects on the lives of both the mother and her offspring, our results help clinicians to target special attention and interventions to the patients suffering from these disorders.

Egg White and Yolk Protein Atlas: New Protein Insights of a Global Landmark Food

(1) Background: The chicken egg is an animal product of great agronomic interest. The egg white and yolk constitute high-quality protein sources for humans with high digestibility and well-balanced amino acid profiles. Despite the egg white and yolk protein's undisputed value, research to unravel their full proteome content and its properties is still ongoing. We aimed to exhaustively analyze the proteome of egg white and yolk by applying intrinsic proteomics and bioinformatics approaches in order to unravel the full protein potential of this landmark food. (2) Methods: A total of 45 freshly laid, unfertilized, chicken eggs were subjected to nanoLC-MS/MS Orbitrap analysis following a peptide pre-fractionation step. A comprehensive bioinformatics processing step was undertaken towards elucidating potential activities and roles of identified molecules. In parallel, the literature was mined concerning all reported egg white and yolk protein identifications. (3) Results: Our analysis revealed 371 and 428 new proteins, reported for the first time to be present in the egg white and yolk, respectively. From the bioactivity standpoint, egg white and yolk proteins showed high enrichment for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes, while exerting high relevance for the apoptosis and focal adhesion pathways. (4) Conclusions: Egg white and yolk proteins exert diverse and multifaceted properties. A total of 799 proteins were reported for the first time as being part of the egg and yolk. Our novel protein data enriched those already published in the literature and the first ever chicken egg white and yolk Protein Atlas, comprising 1392 protein entries, was generated. This dataset will provide a cornerstone reference for future studies involving egg proteins.

Picky eating is associated with lower life satisfaction and elevated psychological distress and psychosocial impairment in Chinese pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed picky eating in pregnant women by exploring whether picky eating is associated with pregnant women's well-being, including life satisfaction, psychological distress, and psychosocial impairment.

METHOD

Data collected were from 345 Chinese pregnant women (M age = 29.95 years, SD = 5.58). Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine zero-order correlations between picky eating and well-being variables (i.e., life satisfaction, psychological distress, and psychosocial impairment). Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to examine the unique associations of picky eating with well-being variables, adjusting for demographic and pregnancy-related characteristics and thinness-oriented disordered eating.

RESULTS

Picky eating was significantly and negatively correlated with life satisfaction (r = -.24, p < .001) and positively correlated with psychological distress (r = .37, p < .001) and psychosocial impairment (r = .50, p < .001). When adjusting for covariates and thinness-oriented disordered eating, picky eating was still significantly associated with lower life satisfaction, higher psychological distress, and higher psychosocial impairment.

DISCUSSION

The findings suggest that picky eating may be a significant correlate of pregnant women's poorer well-being. Future research with longitudinal designs is warranted to further examine the temporal associations between picky eating and pregnant women's well-being.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Picky eating behaviors are poorly understood in pregnant women. Our results revealed that higher picky eating behaviors were associated with lower life satisfaction and higher psychological distress and psychosocial impairment in Chinese pregnant women. Researchers and clinicians may consider picky eating in the assessment and treatment of mental health and disordered eating in pregnant women.

The complex interplay between psychosocial and biological factors in pregorexia nervosa - a rapid review

The importance of detecting eating disorders (EDs) during pregnancy cannot be overemphasized, because of the major negative effects this pathology has on both maternal and fetal health. Based on a rapid review including primary and secondary reports, PN may still be considered an elusive diagnosis entity, that partially overlaps with other EDs, either well-defined, like anorexia nervosa, or still in search of their own diagnosis criteria, like orthorexia nervosa. Neurochemical and hormonal factors, psychological and social mechanisms, along with lifestyle changes create a very complex framework for clinicians interested in defining the typical features of pregorexia nervosa (PN). The personal history of EDs is considered one of the most important risk factors for PN. The core diagnostic criteria for this entity are, so far, lack of gaining weight during pregnancy, an excessive focus on counting calories and/or intense physical exercising with a secondary decrease of interest in the fetus's health, lack of acceptance of the change in body shape during pregnancy, and pathological attention for own body image. Regarding the treatment of PN, nutritional and psychosocial interventions are recommended but no specific therapeutic strategies for this disorder have been detected in the literature. Psychotherapy is considered the main intervention for pregnant women with associated EDs and mood disorders, as the pharmacological agents could have teratogenic effects or insufficient data to support their safety in this population. In conclusion, taking into consideration the methodological limitations of a rapid review, data supporting the existence of PN were found, mainly regarding tentative diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and pathophysiological aspects. These data, corroborated with the importance of preserving optimal mental health in a vulnerable population, e.g., pregnant women, justify the need for further research focused on finding specific diagnostic criteria and targeted therapeutic approaches.

Caloric and Lipid Profiles during Pregnancy in a Socio-Culturally Diverse Society

This research analyzes the determining factors in diet quality among the Spanish pregnant population with the aim of promoting healthier eating habits and preventing the development of non-communicable diseases. It is a diagnostic, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and observational study, with correlational descriptive methodology, and 306 participants. The information was collected using the 24 h dietary recall. Various sociodemographic factors that influence diet quality were analyzed. It was found that pregnant women consume too much protein and fat, score high in SFA consumption, and do not achieve the CH recommendations, consuming twice as much sugar. Carbohydrate intake is inversely related to income (β = -0.144, p < 0.005). Likewise, protein intake is linked to marital status (β = -0.114, p < 0.005) and religion (β = 0.110, p < 0.005). Finally, lipid intake appears conditional upon age (β = 0.109, p < 0.005). As regards the lipid profile, a positive association is only observed with age and MFA consumption (β = 0.161, p < 0.01). On the other hand, simple sugars are positively related to education (β = 0.106, p < 0.005). The results of this research show that the diet quality of pregnant women does not meet the nutritional recommendations established for the Spanish population.

Effectors of Pregorexia and Emesis among Pregnant Women: A Pilot Study

During pregnancy, women tend to improve their lifestyle habits and refine their dietary intake. Quite often, however, these dietary improvements take an unhealthy turn, with orthorexia nervosa (ON) practices being apparent. The aim of the present pilot cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of ON tendencies and the incidence of pica and record diet practices in a sample of pregnant women. A total of 157 pregnant women were recruited through private practice gynecologists during the first months of 2021. Nutrition-related practices were recorded, orthorexic tendencies were assessed using the translated and culturally adapted Greek version of the ORTO-15 questionnaire, pica practices were evaluated with a binary question and nausea and emesis during pregnancy (NVP) was evaluated using the translated modified Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (mPUQE). Only two women reported pica tendencies, with ice and snow being the consumed items. The majority (61.1%) of women reported improving their diet since conception was achieved. Folic acid and iron oral nutrient supplements (ONS) were reportedly consumed by the majority of participants (87.9% and 72.6%, respectively) and 9.6% reported using herbal medicine products. The ORTO-15 score was reduced with tertiary education attainment, ART conception, being in the third trimester of pregnancy, consumption of folic acid and MV supplements and was only increased among women who were at their first pregnancy. The majority of participants experienced severe NVP and the remaining experienced moderate NVP. NVP was associated with lower hemoglobin levels, lack of supplementary iron intake, avoidance of gluten-containing foods, as well as with increased gestational weight gain. The results highlight the need to screen pregnant women for disturbed eating behaviors and nutrition-related problems, in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome.

"Belly Only Pregnancy" content on social media and in internet blogs: a qualitative analysis on its definition and potential risks and benefits

PURPOSE

Social media enlarge the impact of health and fitness trends on body image and lifestyle choices, also in birthing parents. A new and yet to investigate social media trend addressing expectant mothers is "Belly Only Pregnancy". This qualitative study sought to define this new trend and clarify whether content related to this trend might disrupt body image or eating habits in expectant mothers.

METHODS

Picture and text data were gathered on a key day by screening Instagram and blog posts including or linking #bellyonlypregnancy. The identified data were categorized applying qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA software version 2018.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty-one Instagram and eight blog posts were included. Our qualitative analysis' results indicated that the term "Belly Only Pregnancy" was used for describing: (1) The phenotype of an athletic woman whose abdominal size enlarges during pregnancy while not gaining excessive fat tissue. (2) An active lifestyle during pregnancy consisting of healthy nutrition and regular exercise pursuing goals like fast weight loss post-partum. Also, bodily, and mental gestational changes and the feasibility of this lifestyle were discussed.

CONCLUSION

A "Belly Only Pregnancy" allegorizes an ideal body type for expecting mothers. Especially women with increased vulnerability for an eating disorder might be negatively affected by the consumption of content linked to this trend. However, the positive effects of a healthy diet and exercise should not be denied keeping into account the increasing prevalence of obesity and gestational diabetes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Prevalence and phenotype of eating disorders in assisted reproduction: a systematic review

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) are common conditions that mainly affect women of reproductive age and have a major impact on fertility. Our systematic review focuses on the prevalence of EDs in patients in the process of assisted reproductive technique (ART) and describes the phenotypes of EDs identified.

Methods

Our systematic review is based on the PRISMA criteria. Articles were collected using the Medline/Pubmed, Web Of Science and Cochrane databases. The articles chosen had to mention the prevalence of ED in infertile patients undergoing ART and be cohort or case–control studies assessing the prevalence of ED during fertility treatment.

Main findings

Fifteen articles were included in this review. The prevalence of active ED varied between 0.13 and 44% depending on the types considered in each study. The main phenotypes described were EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified) and binge eating disorders (BED) occurring in women with a normal body mass index (BMI) and a history of ED. Mainly subthreshold forms with cognitive distortions were described.

Conclusion

This review highlights a 6 times higher prevalence of EDs in infertile patients undergoing fertility treatment compared to regular pregnant women. However, diagnosing these conditions is complex. As a result, it is essential that professionals in contact with this population are alert to symptoms consistent with these conditions in order to refer them to specialized psychiatric care.

Eating disorders are frequent pathologies that primarily affect women of childbearing age. Numerous articles reveal an increased risk for the mother and the child in case of an active disorder during pregnancy.

We conducted a systematic review to determine the prevalence and phenotypes of eating disorders in infertile subjects undergoing fertility treatment.

The results of the fifteen articles included show a prevalence six times higher than in pregnant women in the general population. Subjects with eating disorders have normal body mass indexes. The active forms are mainly characterized by episodes of binge eating disorders or other unspecified forms. Studies also describe incomplete forms characterized by the presence of dysfunctional thoughts around shape and weight without associated compensatory behavior.

Professionals working in the field of reproductive medicine and providing fertility treatment have a major role to play in identifying and referring these subjects at risk to specialized care.

Differential Effects of Intuitive and Disordered Eating on Physical and Psychological Outcomes for Women with Young Children

OBJECTIVES

Pressure to lose weight can increase the risk of developing disordered eating behaviours, negative body image and depressive symptomatology. Eating intuitively may counteract these negative outcomes. This research examined the unique relationship between intuitive eating and disordered eating on body mass index (BMI), body image and depressive symptoms for women of young children.

METHODS

A survey of women with a child aged between six and 48 months, included the Intuitive Eating Scale, Eating Attitudes Test-26, Body Shape Questionnaire and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted as an omnibus test to estimate the effect of intuitive and disordered eating on BMI, negative body image and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Of the 419 sample (M age = 32.06), 32% were classified with disordered and 32% with intuitive eating. MANOVA and regression analysis found disordered eating positively associated with depressive symptoms, (β = 0.303) and negative body image (β = 0.318). Intuitive eating was associated with lower depressive symptoms (β =  - 0.183) and negative body image (β =  - 0.615). Disordered eating (β =  - 0.194) and intuitive eating (β =  - 0.586) both contributed to lower BMI, with the association stronger for intuitive eating.

CONCLUSION

The early parenting period involves a high risk for developing disordered eating behaviours. Eating patterns are modifiable factors, illustrating the potential for positive and preventive health outcomes through adopting intuitive eating behaviours. There is an opportunity for healthcare professionals to promote physical and psychological health including for women in the early parenting period.