Eating Disorders and the Brain

majd.org "Eating Disorders"

As American’s, we are constantly exposed to the world of eating disorders. Whether it is through the media, the food industry or the societal presence of them; eating disorders are everywhere. Most commonly, eating disorders are associated with anorexia or obesity; however, they can range from binge eating to bulimia as well. Each eating disorder differs from the next just like the brains of the individuals who have these disorders.

Studies have compiled research over the years proving that chemical imbalances in the brain can be largely responsible for a large percentage of why eating disorders occur. An article written by the Livescience staff in 2012, reported that “The study found that reward circuits are “sensitized” in anorexic women and “desensitized” in obese women. During experimental sessions, an unexpected sweet-tasting solution resulted in increased neural activation of reward systems in the anorexic patients and diminished activation in obese individuals. This diminished reward could be what drives obese people to eat and eat and eat, trying to satisfy their need to activate that reward circuit in their brains.” However, this sensitivity is not the only thing that sets different types of eating disorders apart.

In 2005, a group of scientists at the University Of Pittsburg School Of Medicine performed a study on serotonin levels in the brains of 43 women. Of these women, 12 were classified as having recovered from bulimia-type anorexia at least a year earlier, 13 had restrictive-type anorexia at least a year earlier, and 18 were healthy women whom had never had any eating disorders. The study showed extreme differences in the types and activity levels of serotonin within the brains of each classification group.

It is estimated that close to eight-million Americans suffer from eating disorders. “A sufferer does not need to appear underweight or even “average” to suffer any of these signs and symptoms. Many men and women with eating disorders appear not to be underweight; it does not mean they suffer less or are in any less danger.” Many people with eating disorders are unaware of their condition; however, it is important to be wary of any reoccurring signs and symptoms. Websites provided by organizations such as Something Fishy or the ANAD Association, list symptoms such as dramatic weight loss or gain, vague eating patterns, chronic dieting and holding the belief that life will be better if they can lose weight.

Eating disorders are everywhere and extremely prevalent in teens and young adults: 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. It is shown that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, and only one in 10 suffering with a form of an eating disorder seek help.

Until next time, if you, or someone you know suffer from an eating disorder, take the time to look at the different options for help or guidance.