Development of loss of control eating

Loss of control eating is one of the most commonly reported disordered eating behaviors among children and adolescents. Given its associations with physical and psychosocial impairments, the development of exacerbated obesity, and full-syndrome eating disorders, loss of control eating is of considerable public health significance. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature concerning the assessment, prevalence, correlates, predictors, and course and outcome of loss of control eating in youth. Theoretical models, interventions, and future research directions are discussed.