Eating disorders in Japan: a review of the literature

Although a form of eating disorders had been described by Kampo (Chinese traditional medicine) physicians during the last quarter of the 18th century, the modern study on eating disorders in Japan dates from the end of the 1950s. With the rapid increase in the number of cases, research activities have become very active recently. Both the past and present status of eating disorders and of research activities relating to them in Japan are not well known in other countries. This study concentrates on a review of the literature, with a focus on prevalence, etiology, and symptoms.