An update on gastrointestinal disturbances in eating disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders, namely anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are frequent diseases and often complicated by comorbidities, e.g. psychiatric or cardiovascular comorbidities. It is to note that also gastrointestinal symptoms/complications are frequently observed in patients with eating disorders. These diseases will be presented in the current review along with - where known - possible underlying mechanisms. Lastly, gaps in knowledge will be highlighted.

Keywords: Functional dyspepsia; Gut-brain axis; Irritable bowel syndrome; Obesity; Psychogastroenterology; Psychosomatic; Stress.