A recent study has revealed a connection between eating disorders and variations in brain structure among adolescents and young adults. The research, published on January 10 in the journal Nature Mental Health, indicates that those who develop eating disorders may experience delayed brain maturation during adolescence, as evidenced by MRI scans. Specifically, a reduction in the cerebellum, a region of the brain that regulates appetite, was found to contribute to an increased risk of unhealthy diets or purging behaviors by the age of 23, according to the researchers involved in the study. “Our findings reveal how delays during adolescence link genetics, mental health issues, and disordered eating behaviors in early adulthood, emphasizing the critical role of development in forming eating habits,” stated Xinyang Yu, the lead researcher and a doctoral student at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London.
In this study, the researchers analyzed data from nearly 1,000 individuals across England, Ireland, France, and Germany. All participants underwent MRI scans, provided genetic samples for analysis, and completed questionnaires related to their eating behaviors. Approximately 42 percent of the participants exhibited healthy eating patterns, while 33 percent reported tendencies to diet and purge, and 25 percent were identified as binge eaters. The researchers noted a correlation between these eating behaviors and emotional issues such as anxiety and depression, as well as behavioral issues like hyperactivity. Furthermore, depression significantly increased among those who engaged in unhealthy eating as they transitioned into young adulthood.
The study highlighted that these findings could be explained by a slower maturation process in some participants’ brains. During adolescence, brains typically undergo a maturation process where the outer layer reduces in size as unnecessary neural connections are pruned. However, this process can occur at a slower rate due to various environmental factors, which can lead to different outcomes. Genetic predispositions, such as obesity and high BMI, also influenced the likelihood of an individual developing an eating disorder over the years.
Zuo Zhang, a co-author of the study and a researcher at King’s College, emphasized the importance of understanding these different trajectories in brain symptoms. “By showing different links between brain symptoms and trajectories, our findings inform the design of personalized interventions,” he stated. The research suggests that behavioral education aimed at promoting healthy eating could play a crucial role in prevention efforts. Sylvane Desrivieres, a senior professor of biological psychiatry, concluded that this research could significantly contribute to the overall understanding of brain health in relation to eating disorders.
For more information, the American Psychiatric Association provides resources regarding eating disorders.
