# A systematic review on the prevalence of, and risk factors for, eating disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus

## TL;DR

This review examines how common eating disorders are in people with lupus and finds similar rates to the general population, but with more body image concerns linked to disease severity and depression.

## Contribution

The study systematically reviews the prevalence and risk factors of eating disorders in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus.

## Key findings

- Eating disorders in SLE populations have a prevalence similar to the general population.
- SLE patients show increased body image concerns associated with higher disease activity and depressive symptoms.
- Few studies have explored risk factors for specific eating disorder symptoms in SLE.

## Abstract

Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with significant physical and psychological challenges. Case studies have highlighted examples of eating disorders (ED) developing in patients with SLE, but little is known about rates of co-morbidity or reasons for this. This systematic review investigated the prevalence of, and risk factors for, EDs in individuals with SLE. Exploring 21 studies with 3214 participants, most of which were cross-sectional with small sample sizes, findings indicated a similar prevalence of EDs in SLE populations as in the general population. However, individuals with SLE exhibited increased body image concerns, linked to higher disease activity, disease damage, and depressive symptoms. No studies explored risk factors for other ED symptoms (e.g. restriction, binge eating). This review emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the relationship between SLE and EDs, providing a basis for improved clinical practices and interventions for this population.