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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
Metabolic bioenergy homeostatic disruption: a cause of anorexia nervosa
Y Naisberg1, I Modai, A Weizman
1Sha'ar Menashe Mental Health Center, Mobile Post Hefer, Israel.
Abstract:
We believe anorexia nervosa is the result of a disruption in bioenergy homeostasis induced by lipid dysregulation. This disruption has two major determinants: (1) a biological predisposition to primary multihormonal disharmony linked to post-pubertal growth and development; and (2) an acquired abnormal lipid-induced loop operation precipitated by inappropriate diet. We present a step-by-step model describing the cascade of disorders that culminates in anorexia nervosa: defective digestion and absorption of essential fatty acids; diversion of lipids from adipose cells into bloodstream; defective carbohydrate and lipid metabolism which modifies the blood brain barrier; neuroendocrine membrane alteration causing severe endocrine impairment; changes in the negative feedback mechanism which escalate the body's use of bioenergy; derangement of the appetite center which causes a constant sensation of satiety; replacement of the correct body image with the premorbid one that encourages poor judgement concerning food intake and self-support. The loop-like nature of this mechanism perpetuates the disease.
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