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Updated: Aug 8, 2025

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
The intersection between eating disorders and gastrointestinal disorders: a narrative review and practical guide
Kyle Staller1, Sophie R Abber2, Helen Burton Murray3
1Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Eating disorders include a spectrum of disordered thinking patterns and behaviours around eating. There is increasing recognition of the bi-directional relationship between eating disorders and gastrointestinal disease. Gastrointestinal symptoms and structural issues might arise from eating disorders, and gastrointestinal disease might be a risk factor for eating disorder development. Cross-sectional research suggests that individuals with eating disorders are disproportionately represented among people seeking care for gastrointestinal symptoms, with avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder in particular garnering attention for high rates among individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders. This Review aims to describe the research to date on the relationship between gastrointestinal disorders and eating disorders, highlight research gaps, and provide brief, practical guidance for the gastroenterology provider in detecting, potentially preventing, and treating gastrointestinal symptoms in eating disorders.
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