Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown in Eating Disorders: A Multicentre Collaborative International Study

Background. The COVID-19 lockdown has had a significant impact on mental health. Patients with eating disorders (ED) have been particularly vulnerable. Aims. (1) To explore changes in eating-related symptoms and general psychopathology during lockdown in patients with an ED from various European and Asian countries; and (2) to assess differences related to diagnostic ED subtypes, age, and geography. Methods. The sample comprised 829 participants, diagnosed with an ED according to DSM-5 criteria from specialized ED units in Europe and Asia. Participants were assessed using the COVID-19 Isolation Scale (CIES). Results. Patients with binge eating disorder (BED) experienced the highest impact on weight and ED symptoms in comparison with other ED subtypes during lockdown, whereas individuals with other specified feeding and eating disorders (OFSED) had greater deterioration in general psychological functioning than subjects with other ED subtypes. Finally, Asian and younger individuals appeared to be more resilient. Conclusions. The psychopathological changes in ED patients during the COVID-19 lockdown varied by cultural context and individual variation in age and ED diagnosis. Clinical services may need to target preventive measures and adapt therapeutic approaches for the most vulnerable patients

Functional activity of intestinal microbiota with metabolic syndrome

Actuality: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial disease involved in the pathogenesis of many systems and organs, including the digestive system. Accumulating evidence signify the role of microorganisms in many metabolic processes and suggest human microbiota involvement in the development of different pathologic conditions, including the MS.The aim: To evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the functional activity of intestinal microbiota in individuals with MS.Materials and methods: The study involved 85 subjects with MS divided into 4 groups according to BMI. Determination of the short chain fatty acids in the feces was carried out by gas-liquid chromatographic studies.Results: Chromatographic examination of feces revealed changes in both qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the functional activity of the intestinal microbiota in people with MS. The severity of disturbances in microbiota correlated with BMI. In all groups with excess body weight the overall metabolic activity of microorganisms was decreased. In grade 2 obesity there was an increases in the activity of aerobic microorganisms populations, mostly of optional and residual strains. The grade 3 obesity is accompanied by the most significant changes in coprologic profile with the activation of proteolytic microorganisms.Conclusions: These data suggest the presence of pathogenic correlations between obesity, MS, and intestinal microbiota. In this regard, it is necessary to search for causal relationships oin onset and progression of metabolic disorders involving the bowel microbiota in MS.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown in Eating Disorders: A Multicentre Collaborative International Study.

The COVID-19 lockdown has had a significant impact on mental health. Patients with eating disorders (ED) have been particularly vulnerable. (1) To explore changes in eating-related symptoms and general psychopathology during lockdown in patients with an ED from various European and Asian countries; and (2) to assess differences related to diagnostic ED subtypes, age, and geography. The sample comprised 829 participants, diagnosed with an ED according to DSM-5 criteria from specialized ED units in Europe and Asia. Participants were assessed using the COVID-19 Isolation Scale (CIES). Patients with binge eating disorder (BED) experienced the highest impact on weight and ED symptoms in comparison with other ED subtypes during lockdown, whereas individuals with other specified feeding and eating disorders (OFSED) had greater deterioration in general psychological functioning than subjects with other ED subtypes. Finally, Asian and younger individuals appeared to be more resilient. The psychopathological changes in ED patients during the COVID-19 lockdown varied by cultural context and individual variation in age and ED diagnosis. Clinical services may need to target preventive measures and adapt therapeutic approaches for the most vulnerable patients