The interface between the eating disorders and obesity fields: Moving toward a model of shared knowledge and collaboration

As more attention is being directed toward obesity, important questions facing the eating disorders field include: How should the eating disorders field deal with this increased focus on obesity? What are some models for work between the eating disorders and obesity fields? This paper briefly describes four potential models of interaction between the fields and possible scenarios demonstrating each model. The first model is one in which the obesity field overpowers the eating disorders field. In the second model, the two fields have minimal opportunities for interaction and for cross-fertilization of ideas. In the third model, there is antagonism and a lack of respect for the other field. The fourth, and recommended model, is one in which the two fields share knowledge to enhance the difficult work of preventing and treating both eating disorders and obesity. Examples of opportunities for shared knowledge and collaboration, and benefits of this fourth model for both the eating disorders and obesity fields, are discussed.