Chapter 12 - Influence of Hormones on the Development of Eating Disorders

Abstract

Evidence suggests that biological factors—specifically reproductive and appetite hormones—may play a crucial role in understanding the development and maintenance of eating disorders (EDs) and obesity in children and adolescents. Reproductive hormones like estradiol and progesterone have been shown to have direct and indirect effects on both ED symptoms and obesity. Additionally, appetite-regulating hormones such as leptin and ghrelin are associated with binge eating episodes and fat mass. Puberty is a time of dramatic hormonal changes and fluctuations for adolescents. During this transition, reproductive hormones may play an activational role for the risk for EDs, while both reproductive and appetite hormones influence adiposity and body composition. This chapter will present a review of the literature regarding the effects that reproductive and appetite hormones play in the etiology of EDs and obesity among children and adolescents.