16 Jan Study Addresses Why Disordered Eating Often Arises During Adolescence

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Xinyang Yu

Xinyang Yu, PhD Candidate
Institute of Psychiatry
Psychology & Neuroscience
King’s College London

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: This study explores how genetics, brain development, and mental health work together to influence eating behaviours in young people. By analysing data from nearly 1,000 adolescents, we investigated the relationships between eating behaviours, genetic predispositions for high BMI, and changes in brain structure and mental health from ages 14 to 23. The aim was to understand why disordered eating behaviours, such as restrictive dieting or emotional overeating, often emerge alongside mental health issues during adolescence—a time when eating disorders are increasingly common.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response:  We identified three distinct eating behaviour profiles at age 23: Restrictive eaters were those who limited their food intake to control their weight and appearance, engaging in behaviours like dieting and purging. Emotional and uncontrolled eaters were prone to binge eating and often consumed food compulsively or in response to negative emotions. Healthy eaters maintained balanced eating habits without these extremes. We found that these groups differed significantly in their genetic risk for high BMI, mental health outcomes, and brain development. Delayed brain maturation (the process whereby volume and thickness of the outer layer of the brain decreases during adolescence), particularly in the cerebellum —a region associated with appetite regulation— was a key factor in the link between mental health issues and disordered eating behaviours. Emotional and uncontrolled eaters showed more internalizing problems, such as anxiety and depression, as well as externalizing problems, such as impulsivity, starting at age 14. These issues persisted into adulthood, emphasizing the long-term interplay between mental health and eating behaviours.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Adolescence is a critical time for the development of eating behaviours and mental health. Our findings highlight the role of genetics and brain development in influencing unhealthy eating behaviours. By addressing emotional regulation and dietary habits early on, we might be able to reduce the risk of eating disorders and support healthy brain development. Personalised support and interventions for young people during this critical time could have lasting, positive effects on their overall wellbeing.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: Future studies should explore how environmental factors (such as stress, peer relationships, and family dynamics) interact with genetics and brain development to shape eating behaviours. It is also important to develop long-term interventions that address both mental health and eating habits during adolescence. Expanding studies to include more ethnically and culturally diverse populations will make the findings more relevant and provide a broader understanding of the factors influencing eating behaviours across different groups.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?

Response: There are no disclosures related to this study. The study was funded by the Medical Research Foundation, Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre.

Citation:

Yu, X., Zhang, Z., Herle, M. et al. Relationships of eating behaviors with psychopathology, brain maturation and genetic risk for obesity in an adolescent cohort study. Nat. Mental Health 3, 58–70 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-024-00354-7

https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-024-00354-7#citeas

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Last Updated on January 16, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD