The eating disorder anorexia nervosa is characterized by a fear of gaining weight, significant weight loss, and body image problems, and it's one of the most common chronic illnesses in teen girls. Bulimia nervosa, another type of eating disorder, is when someone eats a lot of food, then gets rid of it quickly by vomiting or taking laxatives. Both anorexia and bulimia often develop during adolescence, but researchers from the University of Padua in Italy believe that complications during pregnancy may be linked to later development of eating disorders.
Researchers surveyed 934 young women between ages 18 and 34 who'd been born at a hospital in Padua about whether they'd ever experienced symptoms of eating disorders. They then compared the birth records (including information about pregnancy or delivery complications) of 114 women with anorexia and 73 women with bulimia with the birth records of 554 women without eating disorders.
Moms who had certain complications during pregnancy or while giving birth were more likely to have daughters who developed eating disorders. Obstetric complications linked to anorexia included:
- anemia (when a person has fewer red blood cells than normal)
- diabetes
- preeclampsia (a dangerous condition that causes high blood pressure)
- having the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck at delivery
- a blood clot in the placenta
Shortly after birth, girls who eventually developed anorexia were more likely to have had heart problems, to have needed extra oxygen, and to have had problems controlling body temperature, muscles, and shaking. Having more than one of these complications further increased the risk of developing anorexia in adolescence.
At birth, women who eventually developed bulimia were more likely to have:
- a blood clot in the placenta
- neurological/muscular problems
- early eating problems
- low birth weight
The study researchers suggest that health conditions like anemia and diabetes, a lack of adequate oxygen at birth, or growth problems before birth may affect a person's central nervous system development, which may affect the body's ability to regulate weight, appetite, and growth later in life.
What This Means to You: The results of this study suggest that health complications in pregnant moms or that occur shortly after birth could affect a woman's risk of developing an eating disorder. To help prevent pregnancy and birth problems, see your doctor for early and regular prenatal care.
Nurturing your child's self-esteem and healthy attitudes about nutrition and appearance may also help prevent eating disorders. If your child has rapid weight changes or concerns about weight that interfere with normal daily activities, talk to your child about eating disorders and getting help. A doctor, therapist, or registered dietitian can help your child work toward achieving a healthy weight and psychological well-being.
Source: Angela Favaro, MD, PhD, MSc; Elena Tenconi, PhD; Paolo Santonastaso, MD; Archives of General Psychiatry, January 2006.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: February 2006
