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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Overview of State Legislation and Laws Related to Eating Disorders From 2008 to 2024
Shalini Wickramatilake1, Lilly Engineer1,2, Alexander D McCourt1
1Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore.
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
State legislative activity on eating disorders is increasing, but policies primarily focus on awareness rather than comprehensive care. Greater legislative support for prevention, early intervention, and treatment is crucial for public health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Policy
- Legislative Analysis
- Eating Disorder Research
Background:
- Eating disorders impact 9% of the U.S. population, presenting significant health and economic challenges.
- Substantial burdens necessitate examination of legislative responses to eating disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends and thematic focus of state legislative activities concerning eating disorders from 2008 to 2024.
- To identify key areas of legislative action and policy development for eating disorders.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of state-level bills and laws was conducted using the Westlaw legislative database.
- Policies were categorized by type (authorization, appropriation, resolution, enacted law) and coded by issue topic (awareness, screening, treatment, insurance).
- Quantitative methods summarized frequencies and distributions of legislative activity.
Main Results:
- 600 unique policies were identified, with awareness-raising initiatives being the most frequent (N=218).
- Screening and referral (N=134), treatment services (N=95), and insurance coverage (N=82) followed.
- Legislative activity showed an upward trend, but policies predominantly emphasized awareness over comprehensive prevention or treatment.
Conclusions:
- State legislative attention to eating disorders is growing but often results in symbolic policies.
- Expanding legislation to bolster prevention, early intervention, and treatment services is essential.
- Addressing the public health impact of eating disorders requires enhanced legislative commitment to comprehensive care.
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