Overlooked: The Relationship Between Disordered Eating Behaviors and Metabolic Disorders in Adults

Background: Metabolic disorders (i.e., metabolic syndrome, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovarian syndrome; PCOS) are rising to epidemic proportions. Many severe symptoms and impaired behaviors are associated with metabolic disorders, but often overlooked is the relationship between metabolic disorders and disordered eating behaviors. Objective: The purpose of this brief report is to describe the extant literature on the relationship between disordered eating behaviors and metabolic disorders, identify the current gaps in research, highlight future areas of study, and provide recommendations for treatment. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PsychINFO, ScienceDirect, and PubMed Central databases. The search resulted in 35 articles, published in English. Articles were organized by highlighting the biological nature and behaviors involved in disordered eating, the temporal nature of the relationship between metabolic disorders and eating behaviors, and current treatment options. Results: The biological and behavioral components of disordered eating behaviors, like stress, food restriction, and palatable foods' addictiveness, help to explain this relationship. Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and PCOS are associated with disordered eating behaviors. Current treatment options center around intuitive eating and cognitive behavioral therapy. Conclusion: Disordered eating behaviors are common in various metabolic disorders, yet remain overlooked as contributing factor to worsening these conditions. Additionally, there are limited treatment options for patients who experience both of these disorders. Increased research is urgently needed to achieve secondary prevention of these conditions and understand the mechanism of actions of treatment for each disorder