Ghrelin and eating disorders

There is growing evidence supporting a multifactorial etiology that includes genetic, neurochemical, and physiological components for eating disorders above and beyond the more conventional theories based on psychological and sociocultural factors. Ghrelin is one of the key gut signals associated with appetite, and the only known circulating hormone that triggers a positive energy balance by stimulating food intake. This review summarizes recent findings and several conflicting reports on ghrelin in eating disorders. Understanding these findings and inconsistencies may help in developing new methods to prevent and treat patients with these disorders.

► Ghrelin in eating disorders has been the topic of recent investigations.
► There are inconsistent reports on ghrelin levels in eating disorder patients.
► Different forms of ghrelin used may explain these inconsistencies.
► Body weight may be an important for determining ghrelin levels in eating disorders.