International Journal of Eating and Weight Disorders

International Journal of Eating and Weight Disorders

International Journal of Eating and Weight Disorders – About

Open Access & Peer-Reviewed

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About the International Journal of Eating and Weight Disorders

A peer-reviewed, open access platform advancing the science, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders, obesity, and weight-related conditions through rigorous clinical and translational research.

Dedicated to Clinical Excellence in Eating and Weight Disorders

The International Journal of Eating and Weight Disorders (IJWD) serves as a premier forum for clinicians, researchers, psychologists, dietitians, and public health professionals committed to understanding and addressing the complex spectrum of eating disorders and weight-related conditions. Our mission is to publish high-quality, evidence-based research that informs clinical practice, shapes treatment protocols, and drives policy development in this critical area of mental and physical health.

IJWD publishes original research, systematic reviews, clinical case reports, and expert commentaries that explore the epidemiology, neurobiology, psychological determinants, prevention strategies, therapeutic interventions, and long-term outcomes associated with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, obesity, and other related conditions. Our open access model ensures that breakthrough findings reach practitioners and researchers worldwide without barriers, accelerating translation from bench to bedside.

As a COPE-compliant journal, we uphold the highest standards of publication ethics, peer review integrity, and research transparency. Our editorial processes prioritize methodological rigor, clinical relevance, and practical applicability to support evidence-informed care for individuals affected by eating and weight disorders.

15 Days Average First Decision
28 Days Submission to Acceptance
48 Hours Acceptance to Publication
Global Author Community
Comprehensive Scope: From Pathophysiology to Recovery

IJWD welcomes contributions that span the full continuum of eating and weight disorders research. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates insights from psychiatry, psychology, nutrition science, endocrinology, neuroscience, public health, and clinical medicine to provide a holistic understanding of these complex conditions.

Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED), and emerging classifications.

Obesity and Weight Management

Etiology, prevention, and treatment of obesity; bariatric surgery outcomes; pharmacotherapy; behavioral weight loss interventions; and weight stigma research.

Neurobiology and Mechanisms

Neuroimaging studies, neurotransmitter systems, genetic and epigenetic factors, neuroendocrine regulation, and brain-gut axis research.

Psychological Factors

Body image, emotional regulation, trauma, comorbid psychiatric conditions, perfectionism, self-esteem, and psychosocial determinants.

Treatment and Intervention

Psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, IPT, family-based treatment), pharmacological interventions, nutritional rehabilitation, multidisciplinary care models, and digital therapeutics.

Prevention and Public Health

Early identification, screening tools, community-based prevention programs, health policy, and population-level interventions.

Special Populations

Children and adolescents, older adults, athletes, LGBTQ+ individuals, ethnic minorities, and individuals with comorbid medical conditions.

Outcomes and Quality of Life

Long-term recovery, relapse prevention, quality of life measures, functional outcomes, and patient-reported measures.

Why Publish with IJWD?

Researchers and clinicians choose IJWD for our commitment to excellence, rapid dissemination, and global reach. Our streamlined editorial process respects your time while maintaining rigorous quality standards, and our open access policy ensures your work reaches the audiences who can most benefit from it.

  • Rapid Peer Review: Receive constructive feedback and decisions within 15 days on average, with expert reviewers who understand the clinical nuances of eating and weight disorders.
  • Open Access Impact: Published articles are immediately and freely available to clinicians, educators, policymakers, and patients worldwide under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license.
  • Clinical Relevance: Our editorial board prioritizes research that informs real-world practice, with clear implications for patient care and treatment protocols.
  • Global Indexing: IJWD content is indexed across major academic databases, ensuring discoverability and citation by the international research community.
  • Ethical Rigor: We adhere to COPE guidelines and maintain transparent policies on conflicts of interest, data sharing, authorship, and research ethics.
  • Author Support: Access language editing services, formatting assistance, and responsive editorial support throughout the submission and publication process.
Commitment to Integrity: IJWD employs rigorous plagiarism screening, methodological review, and ethical oversight to ensure that published research meets the highest standards of scientific integrity. All manuscripts undergo single-blind peer review by experts with relevant clinical and research expertise. Learn more about our editorial policies.
Submission Types: Diverse Formats for Diverse Research

IJWD welcomes a range of manuscript types to accommodate different research methodologies, findings, and communication needs:

  • Original Research Articles: Full-length reports of empirical studies including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, qualitative research, and experimental investigations.
  • Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Comprehensive syntheses of existing literature following PRISMA guidelines, with clear clinical or policy implications.
  • Clinical Case Reports: Detailed presentations of individual or small series of cases that illustrate novel presentations, treatment approaches, or diagnostic challenges.
  • Brief Communications: Concise reports of preliminary findings, pilot studies, or methodological innovations that warrant rapid dissemination.
  • Review Articles: State-of-the-art narratives synthesizing current knowledge on specific topics within eating and weight disorders.
  • Editorials and Commentaries: Expert perspectives on emerging issues, controversies, or recent developments in the field.
  • Letters to the Editor: Responses to published articles, presenting alternative viewpoints or additional data relevant to prior publications.
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines: Evidence-based recommendations developed through systematic methodology to guide clinical decision-making.

Consult our detailed Instructions for Authors for manuscript preparation guidelines, formatting requirements, and ethical standards.

The IJWD Submission and Review Process

Our transparent, author-friendly workflow is designed to facilitate high-quality peer review while respecting the time constraints of busy researchers and clinicians. From initial submission to publication, we provide clear communication and responsive support.

  1. Online Submission: Submit manuscripts electronically through our manuscript submission portal or via email to [email protected]. Include all required documentation: cover letter, manuscript file, supplementary materials, conflict of interest statements, and ethics approvals.
  2. Editorial Screening: The editorial office conducts an initial assessment for scope fit, originality, and ethical compliance. Manuscripts passing screening are assigned to an associate editor with relevant expertise.
  3. Peer Review: Independent reviewers evaluate scientific rigor, methodological soundness, clinical significance, and clarity of presentation. Authors typically receive initial decisions within 15 days.
  4. Revision and Resubmission: If revisions are requested, authors receive detailed feedback and guidance. Revised manuscripts are re-evaluated, often by the original reviewers to ensure concerns have been addressed.
  5. Acceptance and Production: Accepted manuscripts enter production immediately. Authors review galley proofs, and final articles are published online within 48 hours of approval.
  6. Post-Publication: Published articles receive DOIs, are disseminated to indexing services, and benefit from promotional support including social media announcements and inclusion in thematic collections.
Transparency in Decision-Making: IJWD provides clear rationales for all editorial decisions. Whether accepted, revised, or declined, authors receive constructive feedback that can inform future submissions or manuscript improvements. We are committed to supporting researcher development through our review process.
Editorial Board Excellence

IJWD's Editorial Board comprises internationally recognized experts in eating disorders, obesity medicine, clinical psychology, nutrition science, and public health. Our editors bring diverse geographic, cultural, and methodological perspectives, ensuring balanced and comprehensive evaluation of submitted work.

The board includes clinicians actively treating patients, researchers leading innovative studies, and policy advisors shaping healthcare systems. This diversity ensures that IJWD publications reflect both cutting-edge science and real-world clinical applicability.

Article Processing and Open Access

IJWD operates on a sustainable open access model. To cover the costs of peer review, editorial management, production, and dissemination, the journal charges article processing fees only after manuscripts are accepted for publication. This ensures that decisions are based solely on scientific merit, not authors' ability to pay.

We are committed to ensuring financial barriers do not prevent important research from reaching the community. Authors from low- and middle-income countries, students, and early-career researchers may be eligible for fee waivers or reductions. Contact the editorial office at [email protected] to discuss eligibility.

Detailed information about fees, payment options, and waiver policies is available on our Article Processing Charges page.

Copyright and Licensing: Authors retain copyright to their work. All articles are published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license, allowing readers to share, adapt, and build upon the work with appropriate attribution. This maximizes the impact and utility of published research for education, clinical practice, and policy development.
Global Reach and Impact

IJWD's commitment to open access ensures that published research reaches practitioners, educators, policymakers, and patients across the globe. Our articles are indexed in major academic databases, enhancing discoverability and facilitating citation by the international community.

We actively promote published work through targeted dissemination strategies including social media engagement, email alerts to subscribers, and inclusion in curated collections focused on high-priority topics. Authors benefit from our promotional support, increasing the visibility and impact of their research.

Join the IJWD Community

Whether you're a clinician documenting innovative treatment approaches, a researcher advancing our understanding of eating disorder neurobiology, or a public health professional evaluating prevention programs, IJWD provides a trusted platform to share your work with the global community.

Questions or Need Assistance?

Contact our editorial office at [email protected] for inquiries about scope, submission requirements, peer review, publication fees, or any aspect of the publication process. Our team is here to support you.