Anorexia can have serious impact on brain health reveals new study
The condition may reduce the brain’s size and change its shape say neuroscientists at the University of Bath
There is a clear difference in brain health between those with anorexia, and those without according to a study coordinated by academics at the University of Bath.
In the largest examination of brain scans to date, they examined nearly 2,000 with the help of 22 international partners.
Their results reveal that there are “sizeable reductions” in three key measures of the brain for those with anorexia.
Scientists say this is significant as it shows that those with the condition experience a loss of cells and a loss of connectivity in the brain.
Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder and mental health condition, whose symptoms are characterised by people eating too little in attempts to keep their weight as low as possible.
University of Bath neuroscientists say reduced brain size may be caused by a anorexia patient’s low Body Max Index (BMI) - which comes from not eating enough food.
When asked about how a reduced brain size may affect daily life, lead researcher on the study, Dr. Esther Walton was cautious.
She said: “We do know that patients with anorexia have impairments in their daily lives, often struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety”.
“It would need to be investigated in further studies, but it seems there is a link.”
Dr. Esther Walton says the results “really emphasise the need to engage in treatment early, to avoid permanent brain damage in later life”.
She adds though, that there is some positive news.
"It doesn’t seem to be a permanent effect, which is great news, suggesting that treatment can help the brain bounce back”.
“If you really engage in treatment there is a path to recovery there is and that’s great news.”