Eating disorders in adolescents: Correlations between symptoms and central control of eating behavior

The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between eating disorders (binge eating and bulimia nervosa) and body image dissatisfaction with BMI, anorexigenic and orexigenic factors in adolescents. Thirty-two adolescents, (13 obese [BMI = 36.65 ± 5.68] and 19 non-obese [BMI = 22.18 ± 3.11]), aged between 14 and 19 y, were recruited. Symptoms of eating disorders were measured by self-report questionnaires (BSQ, BITE and BES). Hormones, cytokines and neuropeptides were determined by Elisa kits (Phoenix peptide). A positive correlation was found between: leptin and BES (r = .724), BSQ (r = .705) and BITE (r = .696); BMI and BES (r = .663), BSQ (r = .525) and BITE (r = .732); the same pattern was observed to insulin and TNF-α. A negative correlation was found in α-MSH and AgRP with BES, BSQ and BITE. Blood levels of hormones and neuropeptides could be the link between obesity and eating disorders in adolescents. However, it is not clear which is the cause and which is the consequence.

Research Highlights
► Obese adolescents presented higher symptoms of eating disorders than non obese.
► Obesity is associated with higher levels of cytokines, hormones and neuropeptides.
► Cytokines, hormones and neuropeptides showed association with eating disorders symptoms.