Microbiota and Eating Disorders: unraveling the Bidirectional Relationship between Gut and Mind

The gut microbiota and eating disorders (EDs) are closely interconnected, with increasing evidence suggesting that gut bacteria may influence traits commonly seen in individuals with EDs, such as disrupted energy homeostasis and behavioral alterations. The gut microbiota is believed to play a crucial role in weight regulation and brain function via the gut-brain axis, potentially contributing to the development and maintenance of EDs, which are characterized by pathological concerns with weight and body image. EDs are defined by abnormal eating behaviors that adversely affect both physical and mental health, often resulting in severe complications. These patterns may include both restriction and excessive intake of food, with common EDs including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and obesity. Although their exact etiology remains unclear, a variety of biological, psychological, and environmental risk factors have been implicated. EDs profoundly impact the gut microbiota, which performs essential physiological functions. Microbial dysregulation may lead to irreversible complications at both physical and psychological levels, suggesting that alterations may not only results from EDs but may also perpetuate them. Therefore, the treatment of EDs is critical, and new approaches, including microbiome-targeted interventions and specific dietary strategies aimed at modulating epigenetic mechanisms, are currently under investigation.