Prenatal and perinatal factors in eating disorders: A descriptive review

Abstract

Evidence in support of an effect of prenatal and perinatal factors on eating disorders or disordered eating in offspring is conflicting. If present, the overall effect appears to be relatively small, and it is likely that the early risk factors operate in conjunction with other biological, genetic, and/or environmental risk factors to bring on eating pathology. Genetically sensitive designs, such as sibling and twin studies, are needed to disentangle the different types of risk factors and ensure that prenatal/perinatal effects are "causal" rather than indications of genetic risk.

Prenatal and perinatal risk factors for eating disorders in women: A population cohort study

“…In the 2000s, studies based on medical birth records using, in some instances, very large European samples revealed positive associations (Favaro et al, ; Favaro, Tenconi, & Santonastaso, ). A systematic review covering obstetric risks (n = 14 studies; Krug et al, ) and a narrative review (n = 22 studies; Raevuori, Linna, & Keski‐Rahkonen, ) each concluded that the evidence was contradictory. The evidence for particular exposures is derived from single studies, and associations tested across multiple studies have failed to replicate.…”

“…The most recent ( N ~2 million) found that AN was associated with lower gestational age and BN with greater birth weight for gestational age, but revealed no association with delivery method, Apgar score, birth trauma, or premature rupture of membranes (Goodman et al, ). The research focus has been almost exclusively on AN, with no known studies of BED and purging disorder (PD) (Krug et al, ; Raevuori et al, ). Findings are limited by case ascertainment predominantly through clinics with only a few studies of community‐recruited individuals (Foley et al, ; Nicholls & Viner, ; Råstam & Gillberg, ).…”

Body image and eating behavior in young adults born preterm

“…Preterm birth (<37 full gestational weeks), which each year complicates on average 14.9 million infants (11.1% of all livebirths), is listed as one potential risk factor for development of EDs . The role of preterm birth is however contradictory as much of the past literature is suffering from small sample sizes and differing methodologies and definitions for both, obstetric complications and EDs.…”

“…Preterm birth (<37 full gestational weeks), which each year complicates on average 14.9 million infants (11.1% of all livebirths), 11 is listed as one potential risk factor for development of EDs. 9,10,12,13 The role of preterm birth is however contradictory as much of the past literature is suffering from small sample sizes and differing methodologies and definitions for both, obstetric complications and EDs. Recent meta-analysis by Krug et al summarized six studies examining the association between obstetric complications and prematurity and EDs and found no significant association between preterm birth and AN (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.91-1.52).…”

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la anorexia nerviosa resistente al tratamiento médico

“…En un principio, se apuntó a una posible disfunción hipotalámi-ca en relación con las alteraciones de la sensación de saciedad e hipofagia; posteriormente, se identificaron factores de riesgo para desarrollar estos trastornos como rasgos perfeccionistas, entorno familiar disfuncional, sobrepeso real o subjetivo o experiencias traumáticas, que presupusieron un origen psiquiátrico de la enfermedad. Actualmente se acepta que la etiología de los trastornos alimentarios es multifactorial, con la participación de factores genéticos, neurobiológicos y vulnerabilidades temperamentales, que pueden interactuar con otros factores ambientales (12). Actualmente el foco de la investigación se encuentra en las áreas del cerebro involucradas en la modulación de la recompensa de los alimentos y la motivación para comer, en la corteza mesolímbica y el núcleo estriado (13).…”