The endocannabinoid system: Anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) include a range of chronic and disabling related psychiatric pathologies characterized by aberrant eating patterns or weight-control behavior and distorted body image. The etiology of EDs is complex and not yet completely understood. The endocannabinoid system has been widely reported to be involved in the regulation of feeding and energy balance, and cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1Rs) are expressed in many brain regions that control food intake. Animal and human studies indicate that CB1R agonists possess orexigenic effects enhancing appetite and increasing the perceived reward value of food. Conversely, CB1R antagonists have been shown to inhibit food intake. Previous clinical and preclinical evidence has led us to hypothesize a link between defects in the endocannabinoid system and EDs and supports the development of drugs that modulate this system in ED-related pathologies.