Disordered Eating Across the Weight Spectrum

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Disordered eating refers to a variety of maladaptive eating behaviours such as dietary restriction, dietary restraint, binge eating, emotional overeating, grazing, and loss of control over eating. In some cases, disordered eating can lead to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.  Some people report feeling addicted to certain processed hyperpalatable foods. In the Healthy Eating and Lifestyle (HEAL) Lab, we study disordered eating across the weight spectrum. Current studies are examining disordered eating in bariatric (weight loss) surgery patients, the impact of weight-related stigma on disordered eating, and the clinical implications of food addiction. We are also developing evidence-based psychosocial treatments for disordered eating and food addiction with the aim of improving eating behaviours and overall wellbeing.