Delayed Brain Development Linked to Disordered Eating in Young Adults

Research reveals that delayed brain maturation, genetics, and mental health challenges contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors in over half of 23-year-olds studied.

• A European study of 996 participants found that 58% of 23-year-olds exhibited restrictive, emotional, or uncontrolled eating behaviors.
• Delayed brain maturation, particularly in the cerebellum, was associated with unhealthy eating habits, independent of BMI.
• Restrictive eaters showed consistent dieting patterns, while emotional/uncontrolled eaters increased binge eating and dieting during adolescence.
• Unhealthy eaters experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues from age 14 compared to healthy eaters.
• Findings suggest targeted interventions addressing mental health, brain development, and genetics could help prevent eating disorders.

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