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Exploring the association between anorexia nervosa and geographical latitude
R Vazquez1, O Carrera, L Birmingham
1Departamento de Psicología Clinica y Psicobiología, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|June 28, 2006
Summary
This study investigated the link between anorexia nervosa (AN) and climate. Findings suggest latitude, a climatic factor, may influence the occurrence of AN, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex mental disorder with multifactorial etiology.
- Previous research has primarily focused on psychosocial and sociocultural factors.
- The potential influence of environmental factors like climate on AN occurrence remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between anorexia nervosa (AN) and climate.
- To map the geographical distribution of AN literature references across different latitudes.
- To compare AN's distribution with other mental and medical disorders.
Main Methods:
- Bibliographic references of AN and other disorders (psoriasis, cataracts, anxiety disorders, seasonal affective disorders, schizophrenia) were mapped.
- Mapping was based on the institutional affiliation of the first author of each reference.
- Geographical distribution was analyzed according to latitude.
Main Results:
- The distribution of AN references showed similarities to disorders prevalent at higher latitudes.
- AN references were notably more frequent within the 40-55 degree latitude range in the Northern Hemisphere.
- This latitudinal distribution suggests a potential environmental influence on AN occurrence.
Conclusions:
- Psychosocial and sociocultural factors alone do not fully explain the environmental influences on AN.
- Climatic parameters, specifically latitude, may play a significant role in the occurrence of anorexia nervosa.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between climate and AN.
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