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Summary: Objectives: This study aimed to investigate weight bias within young children's pro‐social choices between characters who differed in body size. Methods: Seventy‐six children aged 4–6 years read stories asking them to choose who they would first help, share with, comfort, and steal from, between a healthy weight and child with overweight. They also selected the one character they would most like to play with. Children's reasoning for these choices was recorded and analysed. Results: The character with overweight was helped first in only a third of the choices made. Children chose the characters with overweight more often as the target for anti‐social action. In friendship selections, children overwhelmingly rejected the characters with overweight. However, weight bias was not prominent in the reasons children gave for the choices. Most children were not negative about body shape, weight or appearance. Similarly, in friendship choices, these were mostly expressed positively to the character chosen. Only a small minority of children were explicitly negative about the character with overweight. Conclusions: A better understanding of weight bias acquisition and variation between children will benefit those working in health care and educational settings. Future research should link with developmental theory, such as on social categorization and theory of mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The length of a patient's stay (LOS) in a hospital is one metric used to compare the quality of care, as a longer LOS may flag higher complication rates or less efficient processes. A meaningful comparison of LOS can only occur if the expected average length of stay (ALOS) is defined first. This study aimed to define the expected ALOS of primary and conversion bariatric surgery in Australia and to quantify the effect of patient, procedure, system, and surgeon factors on ALOS. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of prospectively maintained data from the Bariatric Surgery Registry of 63 604 bariatric procedures performed in Australia. The primary outcome measure was the expected ALOS for primary and conversion bariatric procedures. The secondary outcome measures quantified the change in ALOS for bariatric surgery resulting from patient, procedure, hospital, and surgeon factors. Results: Uncomplicated primary bariatric surgery had an ALOS (SD) of 2.30 (1.31) days, whereas conversion procedures had an ALOS (SD) of 2.71 (2.75) days yielding a mean difference (SEM) in ALOS of 0.41 (0.05) days, P < 0.001. The occurrence of any defined adverse event extended the ALOS of primary and conversion procedures by 1.14 days (CI 95% 1.04–1.25), P < 0.001 and 2.33 days (CI 95% 1.54–3.11), P < 0.001, respectively. Older age, diabetes, rural home address, surgeon operating volume and hospital case volume increased the ALOS following bariatric surgery. Conclusions: Our findings have defined Australia's expected ALOS following bariatric surgery. Increased patient age, diabetes, rural living, procedural complications and surgeon and hospital case volume exerted a small but significant increase in ALOS. Study type: Retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychotherapy is considered central to the effective treatment of eating disorders—focusing on behavioural, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the illness. Research indicates psychotherapeutic interventions out-perform placebo, waitlist, and/or other treatments; but, outcomes vary with room for major improvement. Thus, this review aims to (1) establish and consolidate knowledge on efficacious eating disorder psychotherapies; (2) highlight select emerging psychotherapeutic interventions; and (3) identify knowledge gaps to better inform future treatment research and development. Methods: The current review forms part of a series of Rapid Reviews published in a special issue in the Journal of Eating Disorders to inform the development of the Australian-government-funded National Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031. Three databases were searched for studies published between 2009 and 2023, published in English, and comprising high-level evidence studies (meta-analyses, systematic reviews, moderately sized randomised controlled studies, moderately sized controlled-cohort studies, and population studies). Data pertaining to psychotherapies for eating disorders were synthesised and outlined in the current paper. Results: 281 studies met inclusion criteria. Behavioural therapies were most commonly studied, with cognitive-behavioural and family-based therapies being the most researched; and thus, having the largest evidence-base for treating anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Other therapies, such as interpersonal and dialectical behaviour therapies also demonstrated positive treatment outcomes. Emerging evidence supports specific use of Acceptance and Commitment; Integrative Cognitive Affective; Exposure; Mindfulness; and Emotionally-Focused therapies; however further research is needed to determine their efficacy. Similarly, growing support for self-help, group, and computer/internet-based therapeutic modalities was noted. Psychotherapies for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder; other, and unspecified feeding and eating disorders were lacking evidence. Conclusions: Currently, clinical practice is largely supported by research indicating that behavioural and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapies are most effective for the treatment of eating disorders. However, the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions varies across studies, highlighting the need for investment and expansion of research into enhanced variants and novel psychotherapies to improve illness outcomes. There is also a pressing need for investigation into the whole range of eating disorder presentations and populations, to determine the most effective interventions. Plain English Summary: Evaluating the efficacy of treatment options for eating disorders (EDs) is important and necessary to inform both treatment guidelines and clinical practice. However, treatment outcomes in studies, and in clinical practice, can vary widely. Therefore, this review aimed to pool evidence related to a wide range of psychological treatments to help better understand what gaps in treatment need to be addressed. Using a rapid review method, three academic databases were searched, and 281 articles were identified and analysed. Results indicated that cognitive-behavioural approaches had the most evidence for well-defined EDs (such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder). However, little research was found on other types of EDs. There was emerging evidence that provided support for self-help, group, and computer/internet-based therapies. Overall, the findings highlighted that more research is required on novel eating disorder treatments beyond what is currently available and being used as 'gold standard'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies which describe the relationship between obesity and economic preference rely on healthy, clinically‐irrelevant populations. Instead, we study economic decision‐making of a clinically‐relevant population of 299 people with obesity who participated in a 6‐months Randomized Controlled Trial in two Sydney‐based hospitals to prevent diabetes onset. To elicit preferences, we use incentive‐compatible experimental tasks that participants completed during their medical screening examination. In this population, we find that participants are risk averse, show no evidence of present bias, and have impatience levels comparable to healthy samples described in the international literature. Variations in present bias and impatience are not significantly associated with variations in markers of obesity. We find however a statistically significant negative association between risk tolerance and markers of obesity for women. Importantly, impatience moderates the link between risk tolerance and obesity, a finding which we are able to replicate in nationally‐representative survey data. We discuss explanations for why our findings deviate markedly from the literature for this understudied but highly policy‐relevant population. One explanation is that our specific population consists of forward‐looking, well‐educated individuals, who are willing to participate in an intensive health intervention. Hence, other factors may be at play for why these individuals live with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current review broadly summarises the evidence base for pharmacotherapies and adjunctive and alternative therapies in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating. Methods: This paper forms part of a Rapid Review series examining the evidence base in the field of eating disorders. This was conducted to inform the Australian National Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2030. ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline were searched for included studies published between 2009 and 2021 in English. High-level evidence such as meta-analyses, large population studies and randomised control trials were prioritised, and grey literature excluded. Data from included studies relating to pharmacotherapy, and to adjunctive and alternative therapies in eating disorders, were synthesised and disseminated in the current review. Results: A total of 121 studies were identified, relating to pharmacotherapy (n = 90), adjunctive therapies (n = 21) and alternative therapies (n = 22). Some of the identified studies involved combinations of the above (e.g. adjunctive pharmacotherapy). Evidence of efficacy of interventions across all three categories was very limited with few relevant high quality clinical trials. There was a particular scarcity of evidence around effective treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN). With treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN), fluoxetine has exhibited some efficacy leading to regulatory approval in some countries. With binge eating disorder (BED), recent evidence supports the use of lisdexamfetamine. Neurostimulation interventions show some emerging efficacy in the treatment of AN, BN and BED but some, such as deep brain stimulation can be highly invasive. Conclusion: Despite widespread use of medications, this Rapid Review has identified a lack of effective medications and adjunctive and alternative therapies in the treatment of EDs. An intensification of high-quality clinical trial activity and drug discovery innovation are required to better assist patients suffering from EDs. Plain English summary: Eating disorders have the highest mortality rates and treatment costs of all mental health conditions. This rapid review summarises the evidence around the use of medications and various alternative therapies in the treatment of eating disorders. The review highlights a lack of effective interventions for the treatment of anorexia nervosa with an urgent need to trial new treatments for this condition. Two medications show some efficacy in treating other eating disorders: the antidepressant drug fluoxetine for the treatment of bulimia nervosa, and the stimulant drug lisdexamfetamine for binge eating disorder. There is some positive evidence emerging from novel therapies that involve brain stimulation technologies. Overall, more high-quality research is needed to discover and develop new medications, and other alternative therapies, to better assist patients with eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eating disorders (ED), especially Anorexia Nervosa (AN), are internationally reported to have amongst the highest mortality and suicide rates in mental health. With limited evidence for current pharmacological and/or psychological treatments, there is a grave responsibility within health research to better understand outcomes for people with a lived experience of ED, factors and interventions that may reduce the detrimental impact of illness and to optimise recovery. This paper aims to synthesise the literature on outcomes for people with ED, including rates of remission, recovery and relapse, diagnostic crossover, and mortality. Methods: This paper forms part of a Rapid Review series scoping the evidence for the field of ED, conducted to inform the Australian National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031, funded and released by the Australian Government. ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/MEDLINE were searched for studies published between 2009 and 2022 in English. High-level evidence such as meta-analyses, large population studies and Randomised Controlled Trials were prioritised through purposive sampling. Data from selected studies relating to outcomes for people with ED were synthesised and are disseminated in the current review. Results: Of the over 1320 studies included in the Rapid Review, the proportion of articles focused on outcomes in ED was relatively small, under 9%. Most evidence was focused on the diagnostic categories of AN, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder, with limited outcome studies in other ED diagnostic groups. Factors such as age at presentation, gender, quality of life, the presence of co-occurring psychiatric and/or medical conditions, engagement in treatment and access to relapse prevention programs were associated with outcomes across diagnoses, including mortality rates. Conclusion: Results are difficult to interpret due to inconsistent study definitions of remission, recovery and relapse, lack of longer-term follow-up and the potential for diagnostic crossover. Overall, there is evidence of low rates of remission and high risk of mortality, despite evidence-based treatments, especially for AN. It is strongly recommended that research in long-term outcomes, and the factors that influence better outcomes, using more consistent variables and methodologies, is prioritised for people with ED. Plain English summary: Eating disorders are complex psychiatric conditions that can seriously impact a person's physical health. Whilst they are consistently associated with high mortality rates and significant psychosocial difficulties, lack of agreement on definitions of recovery, remission and relapse, as well as variations in methodology used to assess for standardised mortality and disability burden, means clear outcomes can be difficult to report. The current review is part of a larger Rapid Review series conducted to inform the development of Australia's National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031. A Rapid Review is designed to comprehensively summarise a body of literature in a short timeframe to guide policymaking and address urgent health concerns. This Rapid Review synthesises the current evidence-base for outcomes for people with eating disorders and identifies gaps in research and treatment to guide decision making and future clinical research. A critical overview of the scientific literature relating to outcomes in Western healthcare systems that may inform health policy and research in an Australian context is provided in this paper. This includes remission, recovery and relapse rates, diagnostic cross-over, the impact of relapse prevention programs, factors associated with outcomes, and findings related to mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are complex psychological disorders, with low rates of detection and early intervention. They can lead to significant mental and physical health complications, especially if intervention is delayed. Given high rates of morbidity and mortality, low treatment uptake, and significant rates of relapse, it is important to examine prevention, early intervention, and early recognition initiatives. The aim of this review is to identify and evaluate literature on preventative and early intervention programs in EDs. Methods: This paper is one of a series of Rapid Reviews, designed to inform the Australian National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031, funded, and released by the Australian Government. To provide a current and rigorous review, peer-reviewed articles between 2009 and 2021 published in English were searched across three databases: ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline. Priority was given to high-level evidence including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, Randomised Control Trials, and large population studies. Findings from selected studies pertaining to prevention and early intervention in EDs were evaluated and are presented in this review. Results: In total, 130 studies were identified in the current review, 72% relating to prevention and 28% to early intervention. Most programs were theory-driven and targeted one or more ED risk factors such as thin-ideal internalisation and/or body dissatisfaction. There is reasonable evidence to support prevention programs reducing risk factors, particularly as part of school or university-based programs, with established feasibility and relatively high acceptance among students. There is increasing evidence around the use of technology (to increase dissemination potential) and for use of mindfulness approaches (targeting emotional resilience). Few longitudinal studies assessing incident cases following participation in a prevention program exist. Conclusions: Although several prevention and early intervention programs have been shown to significantly reduce risk factors, promote symptom recognition, and encourage help-seeking behaviour, most of these studies have been conducted in older adolescent and university aged students, past the age of peak ED onset. One of the most targeted risk factors, body dissatisfaction, is found in girls as young as 6 years old, indicating a need for further research implementing prevention initiatives at younger ages. Follow-up research is limited; thus, the long-term efficacy and effectiveness of studied programs is unknown. Greater attention should be paid to the implementation of prevention and early intervention programs in identified high-risk cohorts or diverse groups, where a more targeted approach may be necessary. Plain English Summary: A large proportion of individuals with eating disorders (ED) or ED symptomatology within the community do not seek treatment or professional help. Low rates of detection and early intervention, low treatment uptake, stigma, shame and lack of motivation to seek help can lead to significant physical and psychological impairment. Research has shown preventative and early intervention programs can significantly reduce ED risk factors, increase self-awareness and motivation to seek help and treatment. Greater allocation of time and resources is important to explore the long-term effectiveness and reach of these interventions within this population, to reduce the prevalence of EDs, particularly within individuals at a greater risk. To reduce the duration of untreated illness and increase treatment uptake, extensive efforts are needed to bridge the gap between early symptom recognition and timely access to evidence-based specialist services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding of the epidemiology and health burden of eating disorders has progressed significantly in the last 2 decades. It was considered one of seven key areas to inform the Australian Government commissioned National Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031, as emerging research had highlighted a rise in eating disorder prevalence and worsening burden-of-illness. The aim of this review was to better understand the global epidemiology and impact of eating disorders to inform policy decision-making. Methods: Using a systematic Rapid Review methodology, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Medline (Ovid) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2009 and 2021. Clear inclusion criteria were developed in consultation with experts in the field. Purposive sampling of literature was conducted, which predominately focused on higher-level evidence (meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and large epidemiological studies), synthesised, and narratively analysed. Results: 135 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review (N = 1324). Prevalence estimates varied. Global Lifetime prevalence of any eating disorder ranged from 0.74 to 2.2% in males, and 2.58–8.4% in females. Australian 3-month point-prevalence of broadly defined disorders was around 16% in females. Eating disorders appeared more prevalent in young people and adolescents, particularly females (in Australia: eating disorders ~ 22.2%; disordered eating ~ 25.7%). Limited evidence was found on sex, sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTQI +) individuals, particularly males, who had a six-fold increase in prevalence compared to the general male population, with increased illness impact. Similarly, limited evidence on First Australian's (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) suggests prevalence rates similar to non-Indigenous Australians. No prevalence studies were identified specifically assessing culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Global disease burden of any eating disorder was 43.4 age-standardised disability-adjusted-life-years per 100,000; increasing by 9.4% between 2007 and 2017. Australian's total economic cost was estimated at $84 billion from years-of-life lost due to disability and death, and annual lost earnings ~ $1.646 billion." Conclusions: There is no doubt that eating disorder prevalence and impact are on the rise, particularly in at-risk and understudied populations. Much of the evidence came from female-only samples, and Western, high-income countries which more readily have access to specialised services. Future research should examine more representative samples. There is an urgent need for more refined epidemiological methods to better understand these complex illnesses over time, to guide health policy and development-of-care. Plain English summary: Our understanding of the prevalence and impact of eating disorders has improved significantly over the past 20-years. Research highlights that rates of eating disorders are increasing. To inform the development of the Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031 this review aimed to better understand the global change in prevalence and impact of eating disorders to inform policy decision-making. Three scholarly databases were systematically searched for related research published between 2009 and 2021. Searches identified 135 studies which met our inclusion criteria. Estimates in lifetime eating disorder prevalence varied from 2.58 to 8.4% in women and girls. Findings indicated that eating disorders appeared more prevalent in young people and adolescents, particularly young women, while sexuality diverse (LGBTQI +) individuals were six-times more likely to have an eating disorder compared to the general male population. The little research suggests moderate to high prevalence of eating disorders in First Australian peoples, Australia's spending on eating disorders was estimated at ~ $84 billion due to disability or death. There is no doubt that eating disorder prevalence and impact are on the rise. Future research should include more diverse populations to increase estimate accuracy and improve care for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]