The Link Between Binge Eating Disorder & Low Serotonin

Serotonin (5HT), a neurotransmitter is involved in mood regulation, sleep and appetite control ("Neurotransmitters", 2020). Serotonin is linked to satiety and serotonergic drugs (such as SSRIs) can act as appetite suppressants. Thus having too little serotonin is associated with mood disorders including depression, chronic fatigue and insomnia. Interestingly, excess serotonin is associated with anxiety and obsessive behaviour. Like everything in life- balance is essential. 

Binge eating disorder (BED) when individuals with consuming a large amount of food over a short period and feeling like you are lacking control over food (e.g. feeling as if they cannot stop what or how much you are eating) ("Symptoms & Causes of Binge Eating Disorder", 2016).

Usually, individuals will consume calorically dense foods that are high in saturated fat and/or sugar (including cakes, ice cream, pasta, chips and lollies). Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression are often co-morbid conditions that present with BED. Anxiety and/or stress may also trigger binge disorder episodes (Steiger, 2004). 

In both human and animal studies, researchers experimentally reduced 5HT levels and found this led to binge eating behaviours (Blundell, 1986). It is hypothesized that individuals with binge eating disorder suffer from chronically low 5HT levels due to low 5HT turnover and transmission (Avena & Bocarsly, 2012).

This is supported by the findings of some selected studies where they measured reduced 5HT transporter binding in individuals with BED. Depressive symptoms increase the risk for binge eating as binging helps relieve depressed mood (which is partially caused by low 5HT levels). Consumption of 'comfort food’ results in the synthesis and activation of serotonin. 

Thus, it is relevant that binge eating is not a disorder caused by ‘a lack of willpower or ‘control’. It’s a serious condition with an unknown aetiology. However, we are aware that binge eating disorder is caused by a multitude of reasons including neurotransmitter imbalances, genetics, and social and environmental influences. Other behaviours that may increase binge eating include dieting behaviours such as skipping meals, restricting the amount and types of food consumed or fasting. 

Finally, if you’re looking for ways to increase serotonin a scroll through my ‘lifestyle’ section for my post “3 Ways to Boost Serotonin “Naturally”.

Also, if you’re currently struggling with a binge eating disorder or any other mental disorder that’s affecting your quality of life please know there are resources for you available. A mental health plan/therapy/counselling may be indicated, and I would recommend speaking to your healthcare practitioner for a referral.

If you would like my support on managing stress, reach out for a consult here and/or send me an email at judy.c.nutrition@gmail.com

REFERENCES 

Avena, N., & Bocarsly, M. (2012). Dysregulation of brain reward systems in eating disorders: Neurochemical information from animal models of binge eating, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa. Neuropharmacology, 63(1), 87-96. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.11.010

Blundell, J. (1986). Serotonin manipulations and the structure of feeding behaviour. Appetite, 7, 39-56. doi: 10.1016/s0195-6663(86)80051-4

Neurotransmitters. (2020). Retrieved 11 November 2020, from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/toolkit/parent-toolkit/neurotransmitters

Symptoms & Causes of Binge Eating Disorder. (2016). Retrieved 11 November 2020, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes

Steiger, H. (2004). Eating disorders and the serotonin connection: state, trait and developmental effects. Journal Of Psychaitry Neuroscience, 29(1), 20-29.