Gut-brain axis influences eating disorders and cravings, studies suggest

A new scientific paper details how stress from life circumstances can disrupt the brain-gut-microbiome balance. This could ultimately alter mood, decision-making, and hunger signals — increasing the likelihood of cravings and consuming high-calorie foods. Another study finds that adults with a disrupted gut-brain interaction are more likely to have restricted food intake disorders. 

Both studies underscore the importance of multidisciplinary, personalized approaches to digestive health and nutrition.

“These papers show that gut-brain communication is central to eating behavior disorders and that non-biological stressors — like discrimination or past illness — can shape physiological responses. Clinical tools must address not just what patients eat, but why,” they highlight.

Societal influences on eating habits

In the first paper, published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, researchers examined how social factors interact with the brain-gut-microbiome to influence eating patterns and weight gain. These social factors — including income, education, health care access, and biological aspects — interact with the brain, gut, and microbiome to influence eating habits and obesity.

“Neighborhood [community] characteristics can significantly influence the risk of obesity,” write the study authors. “Neighborhoods that support physical activity and a higher density of healthier food options have lower average body mass index (BMI).”

By understanding these interactions, clinicians can better tailor treatment and support to individuals living with obesity.The paper highlights that disruptions in the brain-gut-microbiome system resulting from environmental stressors can contribute to physiological changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis signaling. This is involved in producing the stress hormone cortisol and making structural changes in the reward network.

“[These collectively lead] to an increased drive toward the consumption of calorie-dense foods,” underscore the study authors.

By understanding these interactions, they say clinicians can better tailor treatment and support to individuals living with obesity, ultimately enhancing outcomes and quality of life.

Restrictive food intake disorders

The second paper, published in Gastroenterology, finds that adults with gut-brain interaction disorders are significantly more likely to screen positive for symptoms of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

In this first general population study of its kind, more than one-third of adults with disrupted gut-brain interactions screened positive for symptoms of this eating disorder.

These symptoms include sensory-based food avoidance, lack of interest in eating, and fear of aversive consequences, which can lead to significantly greater health burdens and reduced quality of life — regardless of BMI.

The study emphasizes the need for routine avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder screening and integrated gastrointestinal-mental-nutritional health care to better support patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction.

Deeper insights into gut-brain axis

In other research advances in the field, a scientific report supported the benefits of BiOkuris’ synbiotic BK002 for gastrointestinal symptoms and anxiety reduction. Nutrition Insight spoke with the company to learn about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and why synbiotics are considered superior for its treatment. 

Scientists have also reported that gut-brain interaction disorders, including IBS and functional dyspepsia, are surging post-pandemic. Experts have called for updated care models, as those with long COVID are even more likely to have these disorders.

Another report last month shed light on how a prebiotic diet may boost brain GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels, a key neurotransmitter associated with calming effects and neurological health.