In Western culture, we are constantly being bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards. As a result, many, in particular women, struggle with their body image and the unhealthy desire to achieve the thin beauty ideal. Body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating patterns are particularly common in teenagers and young adults. Not only are their societal pressures that influence our eating behaviors, but biological factors that influence the pathology of eating disorders. Two of the most common eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Both eating disorders are characterized by an excessive drive to be thin and abnormal eating behaviors. Another common sign of an eating disorder is excessive exercise to try and lose additional weight. In addition to this, both can have binge eating (excessive intake in food) and purging behaviors (self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives etc.), although this is more common in bulimia. The difference between bulimia and anorexia is that those with anorexia are typically 15% or more below their healthy body weight, while those with bulimia are not.
Dysregulation in the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone estrogen have been linked to bulimia. In those with bulimia, serotonin is typically low, which can increase the risk of impulsive behavior and anxiety. Estrogen is thought to help aid in neuronal communication between serotonergic neurons, through increased levels of intracellular serotonin. Thus, decreased serotonin and estrogen levels in certain areas of the brain have been associated with bulimia. Currently, drugs that can help maintain normal serotonin levels as well as estrogen receptor modulators are being explored for treatment of eating disorders.
While the link between serotonin and bulimia has been found, there are undoubtedly more biological factors that are involved, such as other hormones or neurotransmitters. Future research into bulimia and other eating disorders may help to uncover additional causes, and help to develop more effective treatments for these severe and dangerous eating disorders. However, it is important that we teach our youth the importance of being comfortable with their bodies, and to accept normal and healthy eating habits at an early age to help combat the ever increasing social pressures.
More general information on eating disorders can be found HERE.
Eating Disorders, More Than Just Social Pressures
