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STUDIES
Loss of control (LOC) eating is the defining feature of binge-eating disorder, and it has particular relevance for bariatric patients. The biomarkers of LOC eating are unclear; however, gut hormones (i.e., ghrelin, cholecystokinin [CCK], peptide YY [PYY], glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1], and pancreatic polypeptide [PP]), adipokines (i.e., leptin, adiponectin), and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines/markers (e.g., high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]) are candidates due to their involvement in the psychophysiological mechanisms of LOC eating. This review aimed to synthesize research that has investigated these biomarkers with LOC eating. Because LOC eating is commonly examined within the context of binge-eating disorder, is sometimes used interchangeably with subclinical binge-eating, and is the latent construct underlying disinhibition, uncontrolled eating, and food addiction, these eating behaviors were included in the search. Only studies among individuals with overweight or obesity were included. Among the identified 31 studies, 2 studies directly examined LOC eating and 4 studies were conducted among bariatric patients. Most studies were case-control in design (n = 16) and comprised female-dominant (n = 13) or female-only (n = 13) samples. Studies generally excluded fasting total ghrelin, fasting CCK, fasting PYY, and fasting PP as correlates of the examined eating behaviors. However, there was evidence that the examined eating behaviors were associated with lower levels of fasting acyl ghrelin (the active form of ghrelin) and adiponectin, higher levels of leptin and hsCRP, and altered responses of postprandial ghrelin, CCK, and PYY. The use of GLP-1 analog was able to decrease binge-eating. In conclusion, this review identified potential biomarkers of LOC eating. Future studies would benefit from a direct focus on LOC eating (especially in the bariatric population), using longitudinal designs, exploring potential mediators and moderators, and increased inclusion of the male population.
Despite the limited number of studies and conflicting results, there is evidence that supports the associations of lower levels of fasting acyl ghrelin and adiponectin, higher levels of leptin, hsCRP, and ESR, and altered responses of postprandial ghrelin (blunted), CCK (blunted or amplified), and PYY (amplified) to meal ingestion with the eating behaviors including LOC eating, subclinical binge-eating, BED, disinhibition, uncontrolled eating, and food addiction
Food addiction is an emerging area of both clinical and research interest. The current review discussed several definitional and conceptual categorisations that have been put forth to quantify food addiction. However, the YFAS 2·0 concept predominates the literature. Similarly, evidence shows some similarities of food addiction with established eating disorders, particularly BED. Thus, the current review supports two main areas of contention that warrant much more research; considering food addiction as a substance-related addiction or a behavioural-related addiction and if food addiction is distinct from established eating disorders. Further research is needed to continue to delineate and clarify controversies about similarities and differences in food addiction with other concepts and established disorders.
Gut hormones, adipokines, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines/markers in loss of control eating: A scoping review
Yu Y, Fernandez ID, Meng Y, Zhao W, Groth SW. Gut hormones, adipokines, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines/markers in loss of control eating: A scoping review. Appetite. 2021 Nov 1;166:105442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2021.105442 Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34111480
In terms of study characteristics, the 31 studies were conducted in 13 different countries with Italy (n = 9) and US (n = 8) accounted for the majority. Eleven studies were published in the last 5 years and 9 in the last 10 years.
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