Sex Differences in Binge Eating: Gonadal Hormone Effects Across Development
Kelly L Klump1, Kristen M Culbert2, Cheryl L Sisk1,3
1Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824;
Annual Review of Clinical Psychology
|March 17, 2017
Summary
Hormonal influences, particularly testosterone and ovarian hormones, significantly impact sex differences in binge eating disorder risk. Prenatal testosterone may protect males, while its absence and pubertal ovarian hormones may increase risk in females.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Behavioral Biology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Eating disorders display significant sex differentiation, with a higher prevalence in females.
- Existing theories predominantly emphasize psychosocial factors, often overlooking biological and genetic contributions.
- Gonadal hormones are implicated in various behavioral and physiological processes, yet their specific role in sex differences in binge eating requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize evidence from human and animal studies examining the influence of gonadal hormones on sex differences in binge eating.
- To explore the potential protective role of testosterone in males and the contributing factors to increased risk in females.
- To investigate the interplay between prenatal and pubertal hormonal exposures and genetic factors in shaping sex-specific vulnerability to binge eating.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive review of existing literature, including animal models and human observational studies.
- Analysis of findings related to prenatal and pubertal testosterone exposure in males and females.
- Examination of twin study data to assess the genetic basis of hormone influences on sex differences.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests increased prenatal testosterone exposure may confer protection against binge eating in males.
- Pubertal testosterone might offer additional protective effects, but the prenatal period appears critical for reduced male risk.
- In females, a lack of prenatal testosterone combined with pubertal ovarian hormone effects may increase binge eating susceptibility.
- Twin data indicate that genetic risk factors may mediate hormonal influences on sex differences across development.
Conclusions:
- Gonadal hormones play a crucial role in the sex differentiation of binge eating disorder.
- Prenatal testosterone exposure is a key factor in reducing binge eating risk in males.
- Hormonal profiles, influenced by both prenatal and pubertal periods, contribute significantly to the higher prevalence of binge eating in females.
- Genetic factors likely interact with hormonal mechanisms to explain developmental changes in sex differences in binge eating vulnerability.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Binge Eating Disorders
632
Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
632
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
3.6K
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
3.6K
01:27Signs of Puberty
1.8K
Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
1.8K
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
903
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
903
01:33Hormonal Regulation
36.5K
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
36.5K
01:40Hormonal Regulation
49.1K
Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.
49.1K