Scientists discover the key brain mechanism behind anorexia

A new investigation has revealed that individuals with nervous anorexia have a high activity of opioid neurotransmitters, which can contribute to loss of appetite and emotional symptoms.

A study by the Turku Pet Center in Finland, molecular Psychiatry, suggests that changes in the function of opioid neurotransmitters in the brain can perform a Fundamental role in nervous anorexia.

Anorexia nervous is a severe psychiatric disturbance characterized by restrictive diet, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.

Can lead to serious complications, including malnutrition, depression and anxiety. Study conclusions underline how disturbances in neurotransmitters’ activity can contribute to the development and persistence of the disease.

According to, opioid neurotransmission regulates appetite and pleasure in the brain. In patients with nervous anorexia, the brain’s opioidergic tone was compared to healthy control individuals. Previously, we demonstrated that, in obese patients, the tone activity of this system is reduced. It is likely that the actions of these molecules regulate both loss and increase in appetite, ”says Pirjo Nuutilaprofessor at the University of Turku, Finland.

In addition, the investigators measured the absorption of glucose through the brain. The brain is responsible for about 20% of the body’s total energy consumption, so researchers were interested in knowing how a Reduction of energy consumption affects the energy balance of the brain in anorexia.

“The brains of nervous anorexia patients used a glucose similar to the brains of healthy control individuals. Although low weight overloads physiology in many forms, the brain tries to protect itself and maintain its functioning capacity for as much as possible, ”says Lauri NummenmaaTurku Pet Center Professor.

Adds that “the brain regulates appetite and food, and the changes in brain function are associated with obesity and low body weight. Since changes in apoidal activity in the brain are also related to nervous anorexia. ”