Eating disorders: Involvement of pediatricians in their prevention, early detection, evaluation and multidisciplinary management

Eating disorders are severe mental health disorders characterized by changes in eating-related behavior, thoughts and emotions. They typically manifest at young ages, chiefly in adolescence or preadolescence. Due to their complexity, the management of eating disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach led by mental health professionals. However, the high demand for services may delay access to specialized care, which makes it necessary for pediatricians to adopt a proactive role. Pediatricians play a key role in the prevention of eating disorders by promoting a healthy relationship with food and body image as well as in their detection and initial management, enabling the implementation of early interventions to stabilize the patient while coordinating specialized care. The pediatrician is also a key figure throughout the followup in monitoring the physical and mental health of affected patients, guaranteeing the delivery of comprehensive care in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.