Study Links Delayed Brain Maturation to Eating Disorders, Suggests Personalized Interventions
January 15, 2025
Research indicates a significant link between brain development and eating disorders, suggesting that delayed brain maturation during adolescence may contribute to these disorders.
Typically, brain volume reduces with age; however, non-healthy eaters experienced a slower rate of brain volume reduction, particularly in the cerebellum, which plays a crucial role in appetite control.
Genetic predisposition to obesity and a high teenage body mass index (BMI) were found to significantly influence both brain maturation and the likelihood of developing eating disorders by age 23.
Lead researcher Xinyang Yu from King’s College London emphasizes the connection between brain development, genetics, and disordered eating behaviors.
A recent study analyzed nearly 1,000 participants from England, Ireland, France, and Germany, utilizing MRI scans at ages 14 and 23, alongside genetic analysis and eating habit questionnaires.
By age 23, the study revealed that 42% of participants maintained healthy eating behaviors, while 33% engaged in dieting and purging, and 25% were classified as binge eaters.
Participants were categorized into three eating profiles: healthy eaters, restrictive eaters, and emotional/uncontrolled eaters, with differences in their eating patterns and mental health symptoms as they aged.
Emotional issues such as anxiety and depression during teenage years were linked to eating disorders, with these mental health problems worsening among unhealthy eaters as they transitioned into young adulthood.
Non-healthy eaters exhibited increased internalization of issues, showing signs of depression and anxiety over time, while healthy eaters demonstrated the opposite trend.
Researchers advocate for educational programs promoting healthy eating to assist teenagers with mood and behavioral disorders, which may help prevent eating disorders and support brain health.
Zuo Zhang, a coauthor of the study, noted that the findings could lead to more personalized interventions for individuals with eating disorders by linking eating behaviors to brain development and mental health trajectories.
The findings suggest that different types of unhealthy eating behaviors are associated with varying mental health symptoms and brain development trajectories, potentially guiding personalized interventions.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources

Fast Company • Jan 14, 2025
MRI brain scans on young people with eating disorders uncovered startling revelations about adult behavior
Newsmax • Jan 14, 2025
Eating Disorders in Young Linked to Brain Variation
healthday-en • Jan 14, 2025
Are Young People With Eating Disorders Predisposed to Them?