Food addiction: What to know

Food addiction is when a person becomes dependent on certain types of foods. Learn more about the causes and when to see a doctor.

These neurons may 'tell us' to keep eating, even when we are full

New research in mice identifies a class of neurons in the brain's 'emotional hub' that encourages the mice to keep eating even when they are full.

Brains of bulimic people may react differently to food cues

New brain scan study shows that brains of women with bulimia process food cues differently, possibly explaining why acute stress causes them to binge eat.

Study provides further support for genetic factors underlying addictions

Impairment of a particular gene raises increases susceptibility to opioid addiction liability as well as vulnerability to binge eating according to a new study.

First genetic location found for anorexia nervosa

In what is perhaps the most significant genomic study of anorexia nervosa to date, researchers find the first genetic locus for the disorder.

Religiosity does not increase the risk of anorexia nervosa

Religiosity has been associated with various forms of fasting and self-starvation for thousands of years. Many believe that extreme religiosity can be a risk factor of anorexia nervosa.

Women with celiac disease twice as likely to develop anorexia

A new, large-scale study finds a link between the diagnoses of anorexia nervosa and celiac disease in almost 18,000 Swedish women.

Researchers create model of anorexia nervosa using stem cells

An international research team, led by scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, has created the first cellular model of anorexia nervosa (AN), reprogramming induced...

Even after treatment, brains of anorexia nervosa patients not fully recovered

Even after weeks of treatment and considerable weight gain, the brains of adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa remain altered, putting them at risk for possible relapse, according to...

Anorexia: Deep brain stimulation may be an effective treatment

Deep brain stimulation may be helpful in treating anorexia, finds a new trial. The surgical technique improved mental and physical well-being.

Study points to treatment strategy for anorexia

New research conducted in adolescent rodents provides insights on the mechanisms behind anorexia nervosa and points to a potential treatment strategy.

Body dysmorphic disorder may be under-diagnosed in patients seeking cosmetic procedures

Plastic surgeons and other cosmetic professionals are familiar with the challenges posed by patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) seeking cosmetic procedures, reports a survey study in...

Study addresses extreme thinness standards in fashion industry

In a recent study, female fashion models reported high levels of pressure to lose weight, which was associated with higher odds of engaging in unhealthy behaviors to control weight.

Bulimia symptoms reduced with electrical brain stimulation

Symptoms of bulimia nervosa may be reduced through the delivery of electricity to certain areas of the brain, according to King's College London.

Eating disorders are affecting more UK women in their 40s and 50s

In a UK study of 5,320 women, 3% were found to have an active eating disorder in mid-life, a figure higher than expected as eating disorders are primarily associated with adolescence or early...

Brains of those with anorexia and bulimia can override urge to eat

Scientists at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered the neurological reasons why those with anorexia and bulimia nervosa are able to override the urge to eat.

Genetic risk factor for binge eating discovered

Researchers have identified a gene (CYFIP2) associated with binge eating.This finding represents one of the first examples of a genome-wide significant genetic factor to be identified for...

Why are women more vulnerable to eating disorders? Brain study sheds light

A study using virtual reality to test body perceptions finds that in response to obesity, women have more negative feelings about their body than men.

Binge eating could be halted by activating novel brain receptor

Activating a brain receptor called TAAR1 blocked compulsive eating and junk food consumption in rats, making it a promising drug target for binge eating.

Binge-eating disorder linked to other health conditions

Binge-eating disorder (BED) was linked with a broad range of other illnesses in a recent study, with the strongest associations related to the endocrine and circulatory systems.

Activating dopamine neurons could turn off binge-like eating behavior

While binge eating affects about 10 percent of adults in the United States, the neurobiological basis of the disease is unclear.

'Feeling full' hormone increase in seniors may explain 'anorexia of aging'

Elderly adults have higher production of the hormone PYY, which suppresses appetite, study finds. This may explain unintentional weight loss in seniors.

Abnormalities found in 'insight' areas of the brain in anorexia

Abnormalities in brain regions involved in forming insight may help explain why some people with anorexia nervosa have trouble recognizing their dangerous, dysfunctional eating habits.

Joint study examines oxytocin's role in binge eating

A study by York University researcher Caroline Davis and her colleagues at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is the first to demonstrate that variants of the Oxytocin Receptor...

Males more likely to suffer psychologically when dissatisfied with their body image

Society might lead us to believe body image concerns should be reserved for females but research published today from The University of Sydney has suggested that men are more likely to suffer...