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Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2024) | Viewed by 28864

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Hubertus Himmerich

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
Interests: eating disorders; obesity; nutrition and mental disorders; weight regulation

Dr. Khadijeh Mirzaei

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Guest Editor

Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran P.O. Box 14155-6117, Iran
Interests: nutrition; food safety; food intake; community nutrition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite contributions of original research, reviews and meta-analyses to extend our understanding on body image, nutrition and mental health.

Body image-related problems can play a key role in eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; in obsessive-compulsive and related disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder and muscle dysmorphia; as well as in mental health issues related to sexual and gender identity.

These aspects are relevant for athletes, military personnel or dancers, where physical fitness and appearance are relevant for their work, which poses a risk for the development of an eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder or muscle dysmorphia.

Social media posts, TV programmes and journal articles often revolve around appearance, beauty, cooking, physical fitness, nutrition, the best diet and how to lose weight. This can trigger body image concern and compulsive thoughts on dieting and physical exercise.

In clinical settings for people with eating disorders, nutritional therapy is essential for therapeutic success; however, it is a challenge to cater to the nutritional requirements of patients who may follow a particular diet related to their lifestyle, in order to cope with food intolerances or as part of a treatment for a physical health problem.

Young patients with type 1 diabetes may suffer from the weight increase that follows treatment with insulin; their concerns around their bodily appearance impact their compliance with the treatment, which leads to serious complications such as retinopathy, polyneuropathy or kidney failure.

For LGBTQ+ people, the struggle with societal norms that include their physical appearance can become distressing, and they might not feel welcome in mental health treatments that are usually designed for the majority of patients. In group therapies for eating disorders, for example, they may not find peers with similar difficulties.

Therefore, this Special Issue intends to cover a broad range of physical and mental health aspects related to body image and nutrition. We invite you to submit your research one or more of these important aspects. Submissions of original papers, reviews or meta-analyses are particularly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Hubertus Himmerich
Dr. Khadijeh Mirzaei
Guest Editors

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Keywords

eating disorders
body dysmorphic disorder
muscle dysmorphia
body image
body dissatisfaction
nutrition
dieting
excessive exercise
gender
LGBTQ+
minority stress

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 197 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Body Image, Nutrition, and Mental Health

by Hubertus Himmerich and Khadijeh Mirzaei

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081106 - 10 Apr 2024

Viewed by 860

Abstract

Classical examples of disorders associated with body image disturbances are eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), as well as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

Research

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12 pages, 19872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GFRAL Is Widely Distributed in the Brain and Peripheral Tissues of Mice

by Karoline Fichtner, Hermann Kalwa, Miao-Miao Lin, Yuanyuan Gong, Anne Müglitz, Michael Kluge and Ute Krügel

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050734 - 4 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1287

Abstract

In 2017, four independent publications described the glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptor alpha-like (GFRAL) as receptor for the growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15, also MIC-1, NAG-1) with an expression exclusively in the mice brainstem area postrema (AP) and nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) where it mediates effects of GDF15 on reduction of food intake and body weight. GDF15 is a cell stress cytokine with a widespread expression and pleiotropic effects, which both seem to be in contrast to the reported highly specialized localization of its receptor. This discrepancy prompts us to re-evaluate the expression pattern of GFRAL in the brain and peripheral tissues of mice. In this detailed immunohistochemical study, we provide evidence for a more widespread distribution of this receptor. Apart from the AP/NTS region, GFRAL-immunoreactivity was found in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, nucleus arcuatus and peripheral tissues including liver, small intestine, fat, kidney and muscle tissues. This widespread receptor expression, not taken into consideration so far, may explain the multiple effects of GDF-15 that are not yet assigned to GFRAL. Furthermore, our results could be relevant for the development of novel pharmacological therapies for physical and mental disorders related to body image and food intake, such as eating disorders, cachexia and obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

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13 pages, 1005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Depressive Symptoms among Bariatric Surgery Candidates: Associations with Stigmatization and Weight and Shape Concern

by Alexandra Fabrig, Ricarda Schmidt, Thomas Mansfeld, Johannes Sander, Florian Seyfried, Stefan Kaiser, Christine Stroh, Arne Dietrich and Anja Hilbert

Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040510 - 12 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 922

Abstract

Bariatric surgery candidates (BSC) are a highly vulnerable group for mental health impairments. According to the theoretical model of weight stigma, weight-related experienced stigmatization (ES) negatively influences mental health through weight bias internalization (WBI). This study tested this model among BSC and investigated whether this association depends on a negative body image in terms of weight and shape concern as a potential moderator. As part of a German multicenter study, ES, WBI, weight and shape concern, and depressive symptoms were assessed via self-report questionnaires among n = 854 BSC. Simple and moderated mediation analyses were applied to analyze whether WBI influences the relationship between ES and depressive symptoms, and whether this influence depends on weight and shape concern. WBI significantly mediated the relationship between ES and depressive symptoms by partially reducing the association of ES with depressive symptoms. Weight and shape concern emerged as significant moderators in the overall model and specifically for associations between WBI and depressive symptoms. The results suggest that the association between ES and depressive symptoms among BSC is stronger in those with high WBI. This association is strengthened by weight and shape concern, especially at low and mean levels. Studies evaluating longitudinal associations between weight-related stigmatization and mental health are indicated, as well as intervention studies targeting WBI in order to reduce adverse effects of ES on mental health in BSC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

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14 pages, 2061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introducing a Smart Toy in Eating Disorder Treatment: A Pilot Study

by Dimitri Chubinidze, Zhuo Li, Petr Slovak, Julian Baudinet, Emmanuelle Dufour and Kate Tchanturia

Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040467 - 6 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1692

Abstract

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) often encounter challenges related to body image, emotional, and sensory difficulties during nutritional rehabilitation. To address these challenges, a novel technology-enabled smart toy, Purrble, designed for immediate assistance in emotion regulation, is being explored. A mixed-method approach involving workshops, diaries, and focus groups was employed to examine the feasibility of Purrble as a therapeutic tool and its impact on participants’ daily routines, sensory experiences, and emotional states. The study results demonstrate the engagement and acceptability of this device. Qualitative analysis revealed that participants independently used and integrated Purrble into their emotional and sensory regulation practices. These pilot results support the potential for a shift in the delivery of adjunct therapeutic tools through technology, particularly for ED patients with complex presentations. Future research is necessary to further explore the psychological benefits of this intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

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14 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maladaptive Eating Behaviours, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Depression Severity: A Comparative Study between Adult Women with Overweight, Obesity, and Normal Body Mass Index Range

by Tomasz Witaszek, Mateusz Babicki, Anna Brytek-Matera, Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas, Krzysztof Kujawa and Karolina Kłoda

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010080 - 26 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1725

Abstract

(1) Background: Causes of obesity are multifactorial and include genetic predisposition as well as behavioural, psychological, social, and hormonal influences. We aimed to compare adult women with normal weight, overweight, and obesity, with a focus on maladaptive eating behaviours, the presence of generalised anxiety disorder, and the severity of depression. Additionally, we explored the context of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy and the status of bariatric surgery. (2) Methods: The sample was composed of 1105 adult women. The following measures, through the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), were used in the present study: the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18), the 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-7), and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). (3) Results: All domains of the TFEQ-R18 had correlations with Body Mass Index (BMI). There was a weak negative association between BMI and Cognitive Restraint (r = −0.172, p < 0.001) and a weak positive relationship between BMI and Uncontrolled as well as Emotional Eating (r = 0.165, p < 0.001; r = 0.191, p < 0.001, respectively). Women who screened positive for anxiety scored lower in the Cognitive Restraint domain (10.11 ± 3.58, p = 0.042) and higher in the Uncontrolled Eating (12.69 ± 6.04, p < 0.001) and Emotional Eating (5.29 ± 2.75, p < 0.001) domains. Similarly, women screening positive for depression had lower scores in Cognitive Restraint (9.88 ± 3.61, p < 0.001) and higher scores in Uncontrolled Eating (12.64 ± 6.09, p < 0.001) and Emotional Eating (5.31 ± 2.71, p < 0.001). A significant association between liraglutide and semaglutide administration and Cognitive Restraint was observed. (4) Conclusions: Individualised treatment for obesity should consider the existing and confirmed association between maladaptive eating behaviours and generalised anxiety disorder, as well as the severity of depression influencing the BMI altogether. The use of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy needs further exploration because the evidence for the use of liraglutide and semaglutide in terms of positive associations with eating behaviours is encouraging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

13 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolic Syndrome and Adipokines Profile in Bipolar Depression

by Karolina Bilska, Monika Dmitrzak-Węglarz, Przemysław Osip, Joanna Pawlak, Elżbieta Paszyńska and Agnieszka Permoda-Pachuta

Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4532; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214532 - 25 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1161

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a growing social, economic, and health problem. MS coexists with nearly half of all patients with affective disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the neurobiological parameters (clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, adipokines levels, and ultrasound of carotid arteries) and their relationship with the development of MS in patients with bipolar disorder. The study group consisted of 70 patients (50 women and 20 men) hospitalized due to episodes of depression in the course of bipolar disorders. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to assess the severity of the depression symptoms in an acute state of illness and after six weeks of treatment. The serum concentration of adipokines was determined using an ELISA method. The main finding of this study is that the following adipokines correlated with MS in the bipolar depression women group: visfatin, S100B, and leptin had a positive correlation, whereas adiponectin, leptin-receptor, and adiponectin/leptin ratio showed a negative correlation. Moreover, the adiponectin/leptin ratio showed moderate to strong negative correlation with insulin level, BMI, waist circumference, triglyceride level, treatment with metformin, and a positive moderate correlation with HDL. The adiponectin/leptin ratio may be an effective tool to assess MS in depressed female bipolar patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

11 pages, 501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Correlations of Food-Specific Disgust with Eating Disorder Psychopathology and Food Interaction: A Preliminary Study Using Virtual Reality

by Sevgi Bektas, Ludovica Natali, Katie Rowlands, Lucia Valmaggia, Jerome Di Pietro, Hiba Mutwalli, Hubertus Himmerich, Janet Treasure and Valentina Cardi

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4443; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204443 - 19 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1210

Abstract

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

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11 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Social Media Use and Body Image in Lebanese University Students

by Joanne M. Karam, Carol Bouteen, Yara Mahmoud, Josep A. Tur and Cristina Bouzas

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 3961; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183961 - 13 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2828

Abstract

Well-being is not only defined as being physically healthy; multiple factors can affect a person’s well-being. Social media is strongly correlated with the body dissatisfaction of an individual. High exposure to lean and toned body shapes has created new standards and “idealized” body types. The aim of this article was to assess the relationship between social media and body image among university students in Lebanon. Data were obtained from 292 university students (median age: 22 years), selected from different Lebanese regions by using convenience sampling. Demographic data, social media addiction, body satisfaction, levels of physical activity, eating behaviors, and ultimate well-being were expressed as median and interquartile range. People who relied more on social media were younger than those who did not. Individuals addicted to social media had higher odds of having moderate and marked body image concerns. A significant association was found between social media addiction and emotional overeating, food responsiveness, and feeling hunger. These findings stress the need for rising regional and national awareness among social media users, especially the younger ones, and the implementation of intervention and prevention techniques to help prevent body image dissatisfaction, disordered eating patterns, and the alteration of overall well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

18 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparison of Disordered Eating, Body Image, Sociocultural and Coach-Related Pressures in Athletes across Age Groups and Groups of Different Weight Sensitivity in Sports

by Migle Baceviciene, Rasa Jankauskiene and Renata Rutkauskaite

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2724; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122724 - 12 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2785

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare disordered eating (DE), body image, and sociocultural and coach-related pressures between athletes of different age groups (adolescents and adults) and between athletes participating in weight-sensitive (WS) and less WS groups. A total of 1003 athletes participated in this study. The age range of the sample was 15 to 44 years, and the mean age was 18.9 ± 5.8 years (51.3% were female). Athletes who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study were provided with the study measures on DE, body image and sociocultural attitudes towards appearance. Vomiting, laxative misuse and excessive exercise were more prevalent in adolescent female athletes than adults, while dietary restraint was more common in adult male athletes than adolescents. Adolescent female athletes experienced higher sociocultural (family, peers) and sport-related (coach) pressures and a less positive body image compared with adult female athletes. Adult male athletes experienced higher overweight preoccupation, more DE and unhealthy eating habits, and engaged in more frequent self-weighing behaviour compared with adolescent males. When the effect of weight sensitivity in sports was tested, a higher prevalence of DE and overweight preoccupation, more frequent self-weighing, and higher body-image-related pressure from coaches were observed in female athletes participating in aesthetic weight-sensitive (WS) sports as compared with those participating in less WS sports. No differences in positive body image were observed in female WS and less WS sports. Special DE prevention and positive body image promotion programs are necessary for female competitive athletes and parents of adolescent female athletes, especially those participating in aesthetic ones. For adult male athletes, special programs aiming to promote healthy eating should be implemented to prevent DE and body image concerns. Special education about DE prevention is compulsory for coaches who train female athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

11 pages, 903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Social Networking Sites Use with Actual and Ideal Body Shapes, and Eating Behaviors in Healthy Young Japanese Women

by Yukina Yumen, Yumi Takayama, Fumiaki Hanzawa, Naoki Sakane and Narumi Nagai

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071589 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1777

Abstract

Recent reports have associated the use of social networking sites (SNS) with the drive for thinness in young women; however, its influence on their actual body shape and eating behaviors (EB) remains unclear. We aimed to examine the effect of SNS use on body mass index (BMI), body image (BI), and EB in young women. Participants included 196 healthy women (20–29 years) who answered questions about their SNS use, height, weight, BI and EB via a web-based survey. First, the correlation between time spent on SNS and each variable was determined. Participants were then divided into quartiles according to the duration of daily SNS use as long (≥3 h, n = 52) and short (<1 h, n = 54), and the data were then compared between the groups. Correlation analysis showed that the longer the duration of daily SNS use, the significantly lower the BMI, the use of nutrition labels, and the frequency of consumption of milk and dairy products. The long group had significantly lower BMI and ideal BI than the short group. The results suggest that spending more time on SNS in young women may be associated with thinner actual and ideal body shapes and poorer access to health information and healthy foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

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Review

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18 pages, 2842 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diet Traps during Eating Disorders among Dentate Patients at an Oral Health Glance

by Elzbieta Paszynska, Amadeusz Hernik, Hélène Rangé, Bennett T. Amaechi, Georgiana S. Gross and Malgorzata Pawinska

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4414; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204414 - 18 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1327

Abstract

Persons suffering from eating disorders (ED) may often experience a recurrence/persistence symptoms despite the completion of psychiatric therapy. In most cases, their general health status is linked to current nutritional behaviors. Medical professionals, general practitioners (GPs), dieticians, and dentists may see those patients in their practices. At the same time, due to low sense of illness, some patients may delay or never seek professional medical care. The aim of this article is to analyze the main ED types according to dietary behaviors causing oral health problems and discuss oral health complications in affected dentate patients. The second objective is to update oral preventive measures and technological innovations together with active agents for oral hygiene care that might effectively support oral health maintenance during the presence of long-term symptoms. The research method involved a review of clinical reports as a synthesis of the electronic research in the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Based on the research, ED patients were found to present related incidences of oral complications. Studies have reported that the possible course of an ED and comorbidities may be an imbalance in the oral environment. The results showed an association between biological (malnutrition, etc.), behavioral (binge eating episodes, vomiting, acidic diet, poor oral hygiene), and pharmacotherapeutic (addiction, hyposalivation) factors that may threaten oral health. Early diagnosis of the past and present symptoms is essential to eliminate and take control of destructive behaviors. Oral changes need to be tackled with medical insight, and additionally, the perception of dietary interactions is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

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33 pages, 1295 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Anorexia Nervosa and the Basis for Non-Pharmacological Interventions

by Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez, Maria Isabel Ramírez-Goerke, Laura Redondo-Flórez, Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco, Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez, Domingo Jesús Ramos-Campo, Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda and José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2594; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112594 - 1 Jun 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7819

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder with an unknown etiology that is characterized by an individual’s preoccupation with their weight and body structure while denying the severity of their low body weight. Due to the fact that anorexia nervosa is multifaceted and may indicate the coexistence of genetic, social, hormonal, and psychiatric disorders, a description of non-pharmacological interventions can be used to ameliorate or reduce the symptoms of this condition. Consequently, the purpose of the present narrative review is to describe the profile’s context in the anorexic person as well as the support they would require from their family and environment. In addition, it is aimed at examining preventative and non-pharmacological interventions, such as nutritional interventions, physical activity interventions, psychological interventions, psychosocial interventions, and physical therapy interventions. To reach the narrative review aims, a critical review was conducted utilizing both primary sources, such as scientific publications, and secondary sources, such as bibliographic indexes, web pages, and databases. Nutritional interventions include nutritional education and an individualized treatment for each patient, physical activity interventions include allowing patients to perform controlled physical activity, psychological interventions include family therapy and evaluation of the existence of other psychological disorders, psychosocial interventions include management of the relationship between the patient and social media and physical therapy interventions include relaxation massages and exercises to relieve pain. All these non-pharmacological interventions need to be individualized based on each patient’s needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

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Other

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25 pages, 2383 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Randomized Controlled Trials to Treat Obesity in Military Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Davide Gravina, Johanna Louise Keeler, Melahat Nur Akkese, Sevgi Bektas, Paula Fina, Charles Tweed, Gerd-Dieter Willmund, Janet Treasure and Hubertus Himmerich

Nutrients 2023, 15(22), 4778; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224778 - 14 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1489

Abstract

In recent years, overweight and obesity have reached an alarmingly high incidence and prevalence worldwide; they have also been steadily increasing in military populations. Military personnel, as an occupational group, are often exposed to stressful and harmful environments that represent a risk factor for disordered eating, with major repercussions on both physical and mental health. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of weight loss interventions and assess the significance of current obesity treatments for these populations. Three online databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) were screened to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to treat obesity in active-duty military personnel and veterans. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) values, both longitudinally comparing treatment groups from pre-to-post intervention and cross-sectionally comparing the treatment group to controls at the end of the intervention. A total of 21 studies were included: 16 cross-sectional (BW: n = 15; BMI: n = 12) and 16 longitudinal (BW: n = 15; BMI: n = 12) studies were meta-analyzed, and 5 studies were narratively synthesized. A significant small overall BW and BMI reduction from baseline to post-intervention was observed (BW: g = −0.10; p = 0.015; BMI: g = −0.32; p < 0.001), together with a decreased BMI (g = −0.16; p = 0.001) and nominally lower BW (g = −0.08; p = 0.178) in the intervention group compared to controls at the post-intervention time-point. Despite limitations, such as the heterogeneity across the included interventions and the follow-up duration, our findings highlight how current weight loss interventions are effective in terms of BW and BMI reductions in military populations and how a comprehensive approach with multiple therapeutic goals should be taken during the intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Image, Nutrition and Mental Health)

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