Middle East Eating Disorders Association (MEEDA)

Title: Adapting the body project to a non-western culture: a dissonance-based eating disorders prevention program for Saudi women

Abstract:

Introduction: Saudi females suffer from eating pathology and body image issues at a level comparable to those of western cultures, though the pattern is more one of bulimic than anorexic presentations. Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing westernization process which was found to be linked to eating and related issues. Therefore, it is important to limit the impact of westernization by prevention programs targeting young women. The Body Project is a cognitive dissonance-based prevention approach with the best evidence base effectiveness.. However, it is important to consider the feasibility of such an approach in a non-western culture.

Method: The intervention was adapted to local culture in collaboration with a co-director of the Body Project Collaborative. 48 Saudi undergraduate females were recruited, mean age was 19.16 years (SD = 1.23), baseline BMI was (M = 24.42, SD = 5.46). Eating pathology, body image, and comorbidities were assessed pre and post the intervention with adapted self-report measures.

Results: The Body Project is feasible for young Saudi women. Participants were willing to enrol, they found the intervention useful, understandable, and enjoyable. There was no difference between completers and non-completers. The preliminary effect sizes are similar or higher than other effectiveness trials in other cultures.

Conclusion: A cognitive dissonance–based eating disorders prevention can be applicable across cultures where westernization is an influence. The effectiveness is yet to be affirmed. Future research is needed to investigate effectiveness in further robust studies and a bigger sample.

Learning objectives:

1. Acknowledge that eating pathology and body image dissatisfaction issues exist in non-Western cultures at comparable levels to those in Western countries during the process of cultural transformation towards westernization.
2. Identify unique experiences in each culture that shape the pattern of pathology and acknowledge the fact that sufferers' experiences are not universal across cultures.
3. Consider local culture in psychological interventions (treatment, prevention, etc), therefore, examining cultural adaptation and the feasibility of psychological interventions in non-Western cultures is important.
4. Acknowledge that people in non-western cultures can benefit from Western-based intervention as much as people from other cultures can, and that western-based intervention can work in non-western cultures even when adapted to local culture as long as the psychological components are kept.
5. Become aware that delivery methods do not influence effectiveness if the psychological components are kept.

Presenter: Munirah Al Shibali

Bio: I started my career life in 2002 as a psychologist in Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City in Riyadh. My job includes providing psychological counselling for patients and families, applying and interpreting IQ assessment and  neuropsychological assessment, designing and applying cognitive rehabilitation programs and behavioural modification programs for paediatrics and adults (in-patients and out-patients). I treated patients with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, dementia and other cognitive and physical impairments. I initiated a support group aiming to spread awareness and support for mothers of children with special needs which kept running for years. In 2005 I worked for the National Neurosciences Institute in King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh for two years as a psychologist and a researcher where I joined a team of psychologists and psychiatrist to  standardize several neuropsychological assessments to the Saudi culture. I received an intensive training for six months in the Military Hospital in Riyadh to apply and interpret major neuropsychological assessments such as WADA test. In 2014 I joined Princess Nourah bin Abdulrahman University where I was awarded a scholarship to study in the United Kingdom. I had my MSC in Mental Health: Psychological Therapies from Queen Mary University of London in 2017 with a distinction dissertation about the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for women with anxiety. Currently, I am a lecturer and a licenced career counsellor in Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and a third year PhD student at the University of Sheffield.

Clinical Implications 10:25-10:30 am

Q&A 10:30-10:35 am

Title: Correlates of Disordered Eating Among Gay Men in Lebanon

Abstract:

As an oppressed population, lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals have shown to be significantly more likely to experience an increased risk for mental disorders. Disordered eating, in specific, has shown to be greatly prevalent among gay and bisexual men in comparison to heterosexual men, and this has been a consistent finding in the literature. In contrast, there are mixed findings regarding the prevalence of disordered eating among lesbian and bisexual women, suggesting that sexual orientation acts as a greater risk factor for disordered eating among men than women. Mounting literature in the West has examined the factors that contribute to and those that protect against the development of disordered eating among gay and bisexual men. With no literature exploring disordered eating among sexual minority men in Lebanon and the Middle East as a whole, the present cross-sectional design study examined six factors and their associations with disordered eating among 129 Lebanese men who identified themselves as gay. The factors under study were self-objectification, body dissatisfaction, shame-proneness, guilt-proneness, positive minority identity, and a sense of connectedness to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Nongovernmental organizations that advocate for LGBT individuals assisted in the recruitment of participants. Data were analyzed through a hierarchical multiple regression, and age, education level, socioeconomic status, and religious affiliation were controlled for. The control variables alone explained 6% of the variance, and the six variables of interest explained an additional 25% after being entered into the model. Self-objectification and shame-proneness were significantly, positively related to disordered eating among the participants in this study. In contrast to prior research, body dissatisfaction was not significantly associated with disordered eating in the present study. Results of this study indicate that self-objectification and shame-proneness might be important issues to consider in clinical work with gay Lebanese men exhibiting disordered eating symptomatology.

Learning objectives:

1. Define disordered eating and highlight the importance of identifying and targeting it as a first step in the prevention of the development of eating disorders among gay men in Lebanon.
2. Identify and describe the factors that are likely to be associated with disordered eating among Lebanese gay men and differentiate between self-objectification and body dissatisfaction.
3. Discuss the preventive measures and available interventions in Lebanon for targeting disordered eating among Lebanese gay men.

Presenter: Mohammad Naamani

Bio: Mohamad Naamani is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. His clinical background includes graduate clinical training with an emphasis in child and adolescent mental health at the American University of Beirut Medical Center’s psychiatry department. He also completed a post-graduate training in school neuropsychology with the School Neuropsychology Institute in Texas and attained board-certification from the American Board of School Neuropsychology. Clinically, Mohamad is experienced and specialized in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental, anxiety, depressive, and behavioral disorders. Mohamad’s research interests and advocacy mainly center on the mental health of children, adolescents, and sexual minority individuals.

Clinical Implications 10:55-11:00 am

Q&A 11:00-11:05 am

Title: Violence Against Women in Adulthood Is Associated with Increased Disordered Eating Behaviors and Risk of Eating Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract:

Violence against women (VAW) is a global public health problem associated with considerable health risks, including disordered eating behavior (DEB) and eating disorders (ED). The current study investigates the effect of different VAW types on the occurrence of DEB and the risk of ED in adult women in Lebanon. A cross-sectional survey assessing violence exposure, ED risk, and DEB was administered to 367 women older than 18 years; classified into a violence exposed group (EG, n = 106) and unexposed group (UG, n = 261). Pearson’s correlations, independent t-tests, and a simple linear regression were used. Results showed that total violence, and all its subscales were significantly higher in the EG compared to UG ( p < 0.001). Subjects in the EG (77.78%) were more likely to be at risk of ED compared to those in the UG ( p = 0.034). Moreover, total violence, physical, and sexual violence were associated with increased risk of ED ( p = 0.0259, p = 0.0354, and p = 0.0351, respectively). Regarding DEB, only external eating was significantly higher among the EG compared to the UG ( p = 0.0031). The present findings showed that VAW results in DEB and thus increased risk of ED.

 Learning objectives:

 1- Understand the importance of the role of public health stakeholders and health care providers in screening EB among violence exposed women

2- Learn about the relationship and impact of violence on eating behaviors

3- Understand the need to put a referral system in place

Presenter: Dr. Lama Mattar

Bio: Dr. Lama Mattar pursued her BSc and MSc in nutritional sciences at the American University of Beirut. She also completed a PhD specialized in Eating Disorders and Behaviors at University of Pierre & Marie-Curie in Paris, France. Dr. Mattar is currently an associate professor of nutrition at the Lebanese American University. She also completed her experience with a post-doctoral project on clinical malnutrition.

She believes that nutrition is the cornerstone of prevention and therapy of many diseases. She practiced clinical dietetics in various specialized units in the USA, Switzerland, UK, Lebanon and France She got awarded from the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs an Excellence scholarship, and from King’s College in London, a research Excellence fellowship. Dr. Mattar has been actively engaged and strongly committed to research. Her research interests and projects evolve around Eating Disorders, and understanding eating behaviors, attitudes and practices, in light of the alarming increase in the prevalence of nutrition-related health problems in the Middle East in the last three decades. She also contributed to the writing of the French National Guidelines on Anorexia Nervosa care.

Clinical Implications 11:25-11:30 am

Q&A 11:30-11:35 am

15 min break 11:35 - 11:50 AM

Title: Binge eating behavior in a sample of Lebanese Adolescents: Correlates and Binge Eating Scale validation

Abstract:

Background: Binge eating disorder is a common eating disorder among the adolescent population. The available literature in the Middle East in general, and Lebanon specifically, is relatively scarce and/or outdated. The objectives of this study were to (1) validate the Binge Eating Scale (BES) for use in Lebanese adolescents, and (2) assess correlates of binge eating behavior among this population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between May and June 2020, enrolling 555 adolescents between the ages of 15–18 years old from all Lebanese governorates. The Binge Eating Scale was used to screen for the presence/absence of binge eating.

Results: A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the one-factorial model fits the data best. The results of a linear regression, taking the binge eating score as the dependent variable, showed that higher body dissatisfaction, more alcohol use disorder, higher depression, vomiting to lose weight and starving to lose weight were significantly associ-ated with more binge eating. Higher self-esteem was significantly associated with less binge eating.

Conclusion: The Arabic Version of the BES scale seems to be a reliable tool to be used in Lebanese adolescents for the assessment of binge eating. More body dissatisfaction, lower self-esteem, increased depressive symptoms were associated with more binge eating. We hope this tool will be a reliable one to be used in epidemiological studies and research about eating behaviors/disorders.

Learning objectives:

1) Identify is the Binge Eating Scale (BES) is valid for use in Lebanese adolescents

2) Assess correlates of binge eating behavior among this population

3) Highlight some clinical implications that can be helpful for healthcare professionals

Presenter: Souheil Hallit, Pharm.D., MSc, MPH, PhD

Bio: Souheil Hallit has a Doctor of Pharmacy, Masters in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Masters in Research in Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacoepidemiology and a PhD in Public Health and Epidemiology. He is American Board certified in two states (Florida and New Jersey). Director of the Research Department at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross and Associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University Kaslik (USEK), where he teaches pharmacology, epidemiology and research methods courses. He has 331 international peer-reviewed published articles so far and had multiple conference papers both as abstracts/posters and oral presentations in local and international conferences.

For more information about his research, please click on the following links:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=FuRd3V8AAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Souheil_Hallit

Clinical Implications 12:10-12:15 PM

Q&A 12:15 - 12:20 PM

Title: A qualitative exploration of motivations for fasting and the impact of Ramadan on eating behaviors and body image among young adult Muslim women in the United Kingdom

 Abstract:

Ramadan is a sacred month, when Muslims abstain from consuming all food and drink from the hours of sunrise to sunset. Most research suggests that fasting in Ramadan has no harmful effects on eating patterns, with one study contradictorily indicating that religious fasting could trigger eating disorder onset. However, research exploring the impact of fasting in Ramadan has primarily focused on Muslim-majority countries and has neglected to examine impacts beyond this month when “normal” eating patterns resume. This study aims to improve understanding of the relationship between Ramadan and eating behaviors amongst Muslim women. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conduced with 14 Muslim women aged between 18-35 (Mage = 27) and residing in the United Kingdom at two distinct time-points: during the last week of Ramadan and 1-2 months later. The interviews explored questions relating to motivations for fasting, experience of fasting in Ramadan, and eating behaviors and thoughts related to body image and appearance. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: (1) family and community expectations to fast (2) exertion of control of over eating behaviors, and (3) preoccupation with weight and appearance. The findings suggest that family and community play a strong role in motivating women to fast during Ramadan, alongside the need to feel a sense of belonging to their community. This can conflict with the pressure and desire to assimilate within Western culture and associated appearance ideals, manifesting in a higher risk for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the complex and varied motivations for fasting in Ramadan
2. Understand the impact of fasting in Ramadan on increased preoccupation with appearance and control over eating behaviours
3. Reflect on how a combination of meeting religious and family expectations and Western acculturation can lead to increased conflict and distress for individuals

Presenter: Farheen Hasan

Bio: Farheen Hasan is a Research Associate at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR), working in body-image research. She is currently working in collaboration with Dove Self-Esteem Project and UNICEF India to develop a comic-based body image intervention for adolescents in rural India.   Alongside her work at CAR, Farheen is conducting research with Muslim communities to further understand the relationship between religion, fasting and community and body image concerns and currently looking at the impact of fasting on body image amongst Muslim men.

Clinical Implications 12:40 - 12:45 PM

Q&A 1245 - 12:50 PM

Title: Eating Disorders and the Use of Cognitive Enhancers and Psychostimulants Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract:

Background: University students, who are at risk of eating disorders (ED), are more liable to use cognitive enhancers and psychostimulants to improve their cognitive functions and lose weight. ED in Palestinian male students is a neglected health issue. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and the association between ED and cognitive enhancers, and psychostimulants use among An-Najah National University students (ANNU). Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted in 2020 at ANNU, 1047 students completed anonymous surveys for cognitive enhancers practice, the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), Sick, Control, One, Fat and FOOD (SCOFF) screening tests.

Results: The prevalence of ED among ANNU students was 21.2% based on EAT-26 (17.1% in males, 23.8% in females) and 31.5% based on SCOFF (24.0% in males, 36.3% in females). The binary logistic regression revealed that students at risk to have ED were water-pipe smokers (OR: 1.471, p-value 0.047), especially males, while students who were less likely to have ED were males (OR: 0.341, p-value < 0.001), coffee users (OR: 0.581, p-value 0.014) and chocolate users (OR: 0.530, p-value 0.041) than nonusers. Moreover, the risk of ED increased with increasing body mass index (p-value < 0.01). Clinical medical students showed the lowest prevalence (11.1%) compared to  (22.5%), health sciences (23.7%), and non-medical students (20.9%) (p-value 0.059).

Conclusion: Our findings highlight water-pipe smoking as a significant health problem in males with ED, which may require unique treatment and prevention strategies. Moreover, coffee and chocolate consumption were associated with decreased risk of ED, only among males. The gender-gap in ED prevalence was very narrow compared to international results. These results prompt the need to focus on both genders in future studies instead of females. They also suggest the urgent need to address ED among Palestinian university students by educating students about mental health, identifying high-risk students, and offering easily accessible psychological help.

 Learning objectives:

 1-   To specify the factors affecting adolescents’ mental health.

2-   To recognize the effect of cognitive enhancers and psychostimulants in eating disorders.

3-   To contrast between the differences between the two genders in developing eating disorders.

Presenter: Omar Safarini

Bio: Omar Safarini, a 5th year medical student at An-Najah National University, Palestine. A passionate researcher who is interested in various medical fields. He runs various research- related positions at the university as he is the Founding President of the International Medical Students’ Research Association of An-Najah National University (IMedRA-ANNU), an official member of the college’s international accreditation committee of the medical program (TEPDAD). In addition to being the former local officer on research exchange at the Palestinian Medical Students Association-Nablus and a former campus ambassador for the International Model of United Nations. He is active in research and is currently working on more than 4 research projects within a team under the supervision of his mentor (Dr. Basma Damiri).

Clinical Implications 1:10 - 1:15 PM

Q&A 1:15 - 1:20 PM

10 min break 1:20 - 1:30 PM

Title: Determinants of Body Image Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating Behaviors among Self-identified LGTBQ Community in Lebanon

Abstract:

It has been previously established that sexual minorities are more likely to suffer from mental health illnesses due to experiencing unique stressors such as fear, anxiety, stigma, harassment, and prejudice. Two noteworthy mental health illnesses reported by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) are eating disorders and body image concerns. However, a- priori studies revealed inconsistent results with regards to body image dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms and attitudes among sexual minorities, especially in Lebanon. Therefore, this cross-sectional observational study based in Lebanon aims at investigating the relationship between sexual orientation and gender identity with disordered eating behaviors (DEB) and body image dissatisfaction (BID). Additionally, the correlation between several determinants of DEB and BID among LGBTQ have been examined such as fear of negative evaluation, generalized anxiety, social support, and harassment levels. The current study data was collected through an online survey comprised of 94 questions falling under various verified questionnaires among sexual and gender minorities. The final sample size of the study population was n=358.The primary outcomes of the study were the global score of the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDEQ6.0) and the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2). Generally, the LBGTQ population in this study scored higher than cisgender and heterosexual individuals for the mean and global scores of the EDE-Q and BAS, indicating an increased risk for DEB and BID. Moreover, only generalized anxiety and fear of negative evaluation scales were significantly associated with DEB and BID among different sexual orientation and gender identity individuals.Therefore, it is very important that health professionals working with such vulnerable populations meticulously assess for DEB and BID for better communication. In conclusion, the present results highlight important questions about DEB and BID among LGBTQ communities and call for further comprehensive and extensive research studies on that matter.

Presenter: Nour Kalash

Bio: Nour Kalash is an accomplished clinical dietitian and researcher. Nour graduated from the Lebanese American University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in 2018 and a Master of Science in Nutrition in 2021. She has worked as a Research Assistant with Dr. Lama Mattar at LAU for almost 3 years in addition to having her own private clinic. Recently, she has started working with Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center at AUB. Nour’s research interests include eating disorders, body image and public health

Title: Orthorexia Nervosa in dietitians and dietetic students: rate, risk factors, and interventions: An integrative review using a systematic approach.

Abstract:

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is characterized by obsessive thoughts about healthy food, restrictive eating behaviors, self-punishment with fasting episodes or over-exercise, and a belief that one’s self-esteem is based on dietary choices. Individuals tend to initiate a quest for a healthier lifestyle, but then dysfunctional, compulsive beliefs about the health and quality of food emerge that impair their health, work, and social functioning. While healthy eating is crucial for keeping a desirable lifestyle and reducing the risk of having chronic illnesses and diet-related health problems, there are many misconceptions about what "healthy eating" actually means. In their role as health promotors, both practicing and student dietitians may experience considerable pressure because they are supposed to show exemplary eating behavior and to be in the best possible physical shape. be in their best shape themselves when it comes to healthy eating behaviors. This may lead to them being underdiagnosed when it comes to eating disorders, as dietitians are generally responsible to assess nutrition imbalances and eating disturbances for populations.

Despite the observation of a rising number of people showing pathological patterns of healthy or righteous eating fixation, there is currently no universal clinical consensus within literature on the classification of ON. Moreover, the disorder continues to fail to be recognized within diagnostic criteria and is not listed to date neither in DSM-5 nor in ICD-11. However, the literature has shed some light on the fact that the onset of ON is thought to be related to increased thinking about food choice, and health both of which could be linked with the work of a dietitian, making nutrition professionals more prone to develop ON compared with the general population.

This paper aims to systematically review the literature looking for rates of Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) among dietitians and future dietitians, and to gain insight into its developmental pathway, onset, potential triggers, associated risk and maintaining factors, prevention and intervention strategies. The protocol of the systematic review will be registered with The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews

and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and PRISMA-S for systematic reviews and search strategies. Our search included both quantitative and qualitative studies pertaining to Orthorexia Nervosa and practicing or studying dietitians and nutritionists with no date or language restriction. Initial collection of records

from eight databases (MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Embase (Ovid), PsycInfo (EBSCO), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL - EBSCO), Cochrane, ProQuest Central, and CABI) and five registers (ProQuest Dissertations, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink) started with 3489 hits and ended up with 17 articles. Articles were selected after a thorough screening starting from title-

abstract screening in duplicate, followed by a full-text screening in duplicate. Data will be synthesized narratively, and the risk of bias of studies will follow to ensure a high-quality discussion of literature available to date.

The results of this systematic review are expected to give more tangible information regarding the rate of ON among practicing dietitians and students. This review will also help advising practitioners and public health decision makers on how to tackle ON from a more holistic approach, and will serve in identifying research gaps.

Presenter: Chloe Ephrem

Bio: Chloe Ephrem is a clinical psychologist and dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Holder of a Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Nutrition and Public Health and a Master of Professional Science (MPS) Degree in Clinical Psychology, Chloe is now pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Clinical Psychological Science with a focus on Eating Disorders at Maastricht University in theNetherlands.

Chloe is currently specializing in Integrative Analytical and Systemic Psychotherapy (family, couple and group therapy) and Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) for Eating Disorders.

Title: Nutrition facts label use in relation to weight control measures and eating disorders risk

Abstract:

Objective To examine the relationship between the use of nutrition label and eating behaviours in relation to weight management attitude among Lebanese young adults.

Methods A cross sectional survey design with a representative sample of 136 young adults completed an online survey that included use of Nutrition facts; healthy/unhealthy or extreme weight control measures, binge eating and high risk of Eating Disorders (ED). Chi square tests of independence were used, to evaluate the relation between nutrition facts use and weight related behaviours. Mann Whitney U test was applied to perform Secondary analysis for the comparison of nutrition facts label use with high risk of ED and no risk of ED.

Results  No relation between nutrition facts panel, extreme unhealthy weight control measures and binge eating (p>0.05 ; φc ≈ 0 ) were observed in this cohort. However, high risk of ED (9.5 % of the total sample size),was found to use the nutrition information label than those with no risk (p<0.05) group. 

Conclusion and implications Public health professionals should consider when making the policies, the unsolicited negative behavioral responses, exhibited by the use of nutrition facts label, and which include mainly, engaging in chronic dieting and risky dieting practices, known to be in favor of weight cycling, weight gain, poor health status, and eventually eating disorders. Health care professionals should take into account the different possible responses while working with patients to help them navigate through the  nutritional content in a way that it would refrain them from indulging in any harmful behaviors, while also protecting the vulnerable ones from experiencing exacerbation in their symptomatology. Future investigation is needed to assess, the validity of these policies and identify if they serve their purpose of preventing obesity, or act to some extent as just a form of tool that promotes the growth of risky chronic dieting practices.

Presenter: Maya Azar Atallah

Bio: Maya Azar Atallah is a licensed Dietitian, who is passionate about research in the field of policies and eating disorders. She is an advocate of the intuitive eating model and believes in the HAES movement. She recently completed a Masters degree in nutrition and behaviour from Bournemouth University UK, and as part of her MSc, she conducted a research among Lebanese young adults, evaluating the relationship between frequent usage of nutrition facts labels on packaged items, and weight control measures, as well as its probable predictive factor of eating disorders incidence. She aimed to assess if high reliance on nutrition facts labels could be used as a tool promoting risky weight control measures and the onset of eating disorder symptoms. Maya is currently working as a Blog contributor at BALANCE eating disorder treatment centre NYC, where she is in charge of writing blogs and articles about eating disorders and the dangers of diet culture as a way to raise general public awareness and provide general education on eating disorders, mental health, body image and nutrition topics. Recently she is collaborating with HARVARD STRIPED, on their global policy scan survey on weight-loss supplements aimed at identifying how governments around the world regulate dietary supplements sold for weight loss. She has helped STRIPED identify related experts in the different countries to explore, recruit them and determine some limitations which mainly include the lack of consensus that dictates the category under which weight loss supplements should fall under, some governments label them as medicinal drugs whereas others perceive them food supplements. This is crucial as this generally spans different policies, based on which category these products fall under. We have established therefore a gap that needs to be addressed with future investigation. Moving forward Maya plans to pursue a PhD in nutrition and public health to explore her research interest in the evaluation of policies in relation to eating behaviors, and eventually later get involved in the policy making industry, to build improved policies that would serve as a primary prevention of disordered eating and eating disorders.

5 min break 2:15 - 2:20 PM

Title: Challenges in the Treatment of Eating Disorders in the Middle East

Abstract:

For decades, eating disorders were seen as a mainly Western phenomenon with scarce research in other parts of the world. Over time, this has changed with clinicians and researchers alike acknowledging that eating disorders can affect anyone across the world. Recently, awareness about eating disorders has become more common in the Middle East, and more research is being conducted on this topic in the region. However, there are still many challenges to be faced by those who suffer from eating disorders including getting the proper diagnosis, treatment, and follow up. As clinicians and researchers, it is of utmost importance to acknowledge these challenges and work on ways to overcome them to ensure the best quality of care. 

Learning objectives:

1- Understand the challenges of eating disorder management and treatment in the Middle East.

2- Recognize the effects these challenges have on those with eating disorders and their treatment teams.

3- Reflect on ways to overcome these challenges to ensure the best quality of care.

Presenter: Dr. Ruba Rizk

Bio: Dr. Ruba Rizk is a Consultant in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatrics at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital. She is the Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program. She is American Board Certified in both General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

As the only Adolescent Medicine trained health care provider in Dubai, she has taken up a unique and challenging role that involves caring for teenagers and young adults between the ages of 12-21 years, striving to provide them with quality health care encompassing their specific physical, emotional and social needs. Her clinical interests include pediatric gynecology, reproductive health and endocrinology, eating disorders and weight management. Dr. Rizk has presented at numerous international and national conferences as an expert in her field.

Q&A 2:45 - 2:50 PM

Title: The Future of Eating Disorders in the Middle East

Abstract:

Eating disorders (ED) and disordered eating (defined as unhealthy eating attitudes and

behaviors) are considered a major public health problem. The raising numbers of

sufferers are alarming throughout the world especially after the Covid 19 pandemic.

While it was thought to be more common in western societies, studies although small in size have shown that the Middle East has similarly a high prevalence of ED. The purpose of this work is to identify the current preventative, diagnostic and treatment

measures applied so far in the ME and to bring the attention of policy makers to increase governmental funding towards ED research and health care and initiate public

health and private interventions to raise awareness, screen and deliver up-to-date

treatment to these life-threatening diseases.

Learning objectives:

1- Learn about the current state of Eating Disorders in the Middle East (prevalence, public health

interventions, specialized practitioners, specialized centers, treatment, cost…).

2- Understand the challenges regarding awareness and treatment in the ME region.

3- Gain perspective on the future of ED in the Middle East: Government and Public Health sectors role,

strategy of the interventions on the public, private, educational and healthcare

levels.

Presenter: Dr. Jeremy Alford, Dr. Joumana Warde Kamar

Bio:

Dr. Jeremy Alford

Founder and President of the Middle East Eating Disorders Association.

Clinical psychologist. Senior Lecturer for the National Centre For Eating Disorders UK providing accredited trainings to professionals.

Clinical Director for a bespoke single client rehab service called Istana Jiwa located in South East Asia, Europe and the Caribbeans, offering personalized treatment and recovery with a multidisciplinary team, one client at a time.

He has 20 years of mental health experience working in multicultural settings inEurope, the Middle East and South East Asia. He holds a BA from the Open University, MPhil and PhD from the University College London College Kensington. Graduate member of the British Psychological Society. A member of the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy, and the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis.

He adopts a person-centered integrative cognitive behavioural therapy approach and

incorporates mindfulness practices. He is also a clinical hypnotherapist, neurofeedback and biofeedback, heartmath therapist. He believes in customized approaches to mental health care and treatments working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of qualified healthcare professionals.

Dr. Joumana Warde Kamar

Dr Joumana WARDÉ KAMAR is a Medical Doctor specialized in Metabolic Disorders, Medical Weight Management and Nutrition, Bariatric Medicine and Eating Disorders.

She graduated as Medical Doctor from Necker Enfants-Malades Medical School in Paris - France, and started her specialization in Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition in Paris in the Endocrinology Departments of different hospitals affiliated with Paris V, Paris VI and Paris VII University Medical Schools. She then completed a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in the Endocrinology and Obesity Department at Saint Luke’s Hospital / Columbia University in New York-USA where she worked in the Adult and Pediatric Metabolic & Obesity Clinical Units. She also trained in the Bariatric Medicine Unit and at the Obesity Research Center, conducting clinical studies in the Obesity and Metabolic fields. She finally earned a Certificate in Eating Disorders from the National Center for Eating Disorders (NCFED) accredited by the British Psychological Society (London) in 2014. She joined MEEDA’s team (the non-profit NGO: Middle East Eating Disorders Association) in September 2016 as Head Representative for Lebanon.

Dr Wardé holds 2 Master Degrees in Public Health and Hospital Management.

Dr Wardé worked in the academic field as lecturer and Chairperson of the Department of Nutrition at USEK University. She is a lecturer in medical conferences, universities, schools in the field of Obesity, Metabolism and Eating Disorders. She has her clinic based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Q&A 3:15-2:20 PM