Systematic review of disordered eating behaviors: Methodological considerations for epidemiological research

Disordered eating behaviors (DEB) such as dieting, fasting, laxatives or diuretics abuse, self-induced vomiting and binge eating may lead serious physiological and psychological consequences in individuals. Epidemiological data helps to the understanding of the magnitude of this problem within population; however point prevalence rates and the trend of DEB are still a subject of constant debate. Therefore the aim of this study is to systematically review empirical studies that have estimated the prevalence of DEB in women and provide some methodological considerations for future epidemiological studies. The search of articles was made through MEDLINE and SCIENCE DIRECT databases from 2000 to 2013. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria 20 studies were reviewed. Results yielded that the point prevalence range of dieting (0.6–51.7%), fasting (2.1–18.5%) and binge eating (1.2–17.3%) are higher than purgative behaviors (0–11%). However finding a trend in DEB over time was difficult since methodologies were significantly different. Methodological considerations for future research in DEB are proposed.