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More than half of 23-year-olds in a European study exhibit restrictive, emotional, or uncontrolled eating behaviors, according to research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London. Published in Nature Mental Health, the study explores how brain maturation during adolescence, genetics and mental health difficulties contribute to the development of disordered eating habits.
The study categorized eating behaviors into three groups:
At age 23, 42% of participants were identified as healthy eaters, while 33% engaged in restrictive eating and 25% in emotional or uncontrolled eating.
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The study analyzed data from 996 participants in the IMAGEN cohort across England, Ireland, France and Germany. Data collection included genetic information, MRI scans at ages 14 and 23, and questionnaires about well-being and eating behaviors.
Key findings include:
MRI analyses revealed that delayed brain maturation, measured by reductions in cortical volume and thickness, was associated with unhealthy eating behaviors. This effect persisted regardless of body mass index (BMI).
Specifically, reduced cerebellar maturation – a region involved in appetite control – linked genetic risks for high BMI to restrictive eating behaviors at age 23. Delayed brain development also mediated the connection between mental health issues in adolescence and later disordered eating.
The findings highlight the complex interplay between brain development, genetics and mental health in shaping eating behaviors. Understanding these factors could inform targeted interventions to prevent eating disorders and promote healthier eating habits.
Reference: Yu X, Zhang Z, Herle M, et al. Relationships of eating behaviors with psychopathology, brain maturation and genetic risk for obesity in an adolescent cohort study. Nat Mental Health. 2025;3(1):58-70. doi: 10.1038/s44220-024-00354-7
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