ANKK1 Taq1A Gene Variance and Executive Functions in Female Youth with Binge Eating Disorder: A Cross-sectional Study

The biological and psychological etiology of binge eating disorder (BED) is still not fully understood. This study investigates the relationship between the ANKK1 Taq1A gene variant and BED in female youth with obesity, while also assessing executive functions (EFs).

The study included eighty young females with obesity, divided into BED and non-BED groups. EFs were assessed using the Stroop test, Digit Span, and the PEBL battery (including Card Sorting, Iowa Gambling, and Go/No-go tests). The ANKK1 Taq1A gene variance was detected via real-time PCR.

No significant differences were found in ANKK1 Taq1A genotypes or allele frequencies between the groups. However, the BED group exhibited worse cognitive flexibility, decision-making, and higher depression levels. Specifically, the BED group scored poorly on tests such as Card Sorting, Iowa Gambling, and Digit Span (p < .001, p = .005, p = 0.07, respectively). A logistic regression analysis indicated that worse cognitive flexibility and high depression severity significantly increased the probability of BED (p = .01, OR = 1.42; p = .001, OR = 1.26, respectively).

No association was found between ANKK1 Taq1A gene variance and BED or EFs performance. The female youth with obesity and BED demonstrated worse cognitive flexibility and decision-making, along with greater depression severity. Worse cognitive flexibility and greater depression severity were found to increase the probability of BED. Thus, evaluating and addressing EF deficits in BED patients, along with managing co-morbid psychiatric conditions, is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.