Author Interviews, Psychological Science / 16.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Xinyang Yu, PhD Candidate Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience King’s College London MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study explores how genetics, brain development, and mental health work together to influence eating behaviours in young people. By analysing data from nearly 1,000 adolescents, we investigated the relationships between eating behaviours, genetic predispositions for high BMI, and changes in brain structure and mental health from ages 14 to 23. The aim was to understand why disordered eating behaviours, such as restrictive dieting or emotional overeating, often emerge alongside mental health issues during adolescence—a time when eating disorders are increasingly common. (more…)
Author Interviews, JAMA, Mental Health Research, USPSTF, Weight Research / 23.03.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Lori Pbert, Ph.D Professor, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences Associate chief of the Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine Founder and Director of the Center for Tobacco Treatment Research and Training University of Massachusetts Medical School Dr. Pbert joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2019 MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  Response: This is the first time that the Task Force has looked at the evidence around screening for eating disorders. It was important to address this topic because of the serious harm that these conditions can cause to people’s physical and mental health, and the tremendous toll eating disorders have on individuals and families. MedicalResearch.com:  What are the main findings? Response: After reviewing the limited available research, we determined there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening teens and adults for eating disorders in adolescents and adults who do not have signs or symptoms of an eating disorder or concerns about their eating. It’s important to note that this recommendation is not for people who are showing signs or symptoms of eating disorders, like rapid weight loss or gain, slow heart rate, delayed puberty, or a disruption of menstruation, or for those expressing concern about their eating. (more…)