Influence of Gut Microflora on Eating Disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) have attracted extensive attention worldwide as a disease that seriously affects eating behaviour and weight control. The impact and pathogenesis of the gut microbiota in EDs remain important research directions and have sparked interest in developing treatments for these conditions. This review examines the intricate interactions between the gut microbiota and the gut-brain (GB) axis, and Eds focuses on bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and anorexia nervosa (AN). According to the findings, the pathophysiology of AN and BED is correlated with lower levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota. In addition, as a key mediator, the GB axis affects the neural pathways and behaviours between the brain and the gut, thereby exacerbating EDs symptoms. This review highlights the potential of gut microbiota-targeted therapies as adjunctive treatments for EDs. However, this study also has certain limitations. For example, more investigation is required to explore the clear mechanism and causal relationship between the gut microbiome and other EDs. Future studies should clarify the function of gut bacteria in EDs and advance treatment strategies.