Alexithymia and its relation with eating disorders and obesity
https://doi.org/10.14341/probl12416
Abstract
This manuscript provides a review of current literature on the relationship between overweight and alexithymia as a psychological factor associated with obesity, as well as the role of alexithymia in the development of various abnormalities and eating disorders (ED). Obesity is a multifactorial disease, and lifestyle characteristics are the most important pathogenetic links on its development, as well as a complex of genetic, epigenetic, biological and psychological factors that cause accumulation of excessive fat and prevent effective reduction and retention of body weight. One possible reason for the increased prevalence of obesity in adults is poor emotional management, which can affect healthy eating behavior and lifestyle.
It was found that overweight and obese people have a high prevalence of alexithymia, and also the study shows its prognostic role in the development of ED. Alexithymia is a factor that not only predisposes to weight gain, but is also a significant predictor of inefficiency and premature termination of programs for the treatment of obesity and ED. Timely diagnosis and correction of alexithymic syndrome can help in developing the effective treatment strategies for obese patients.
About the Authors
Marina A. Berkovskaya
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
MD, PhD
Anna A. Tarasenko
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
student
Valentin V. Fadeev
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
MD, ScD, professor, corresponding member of the RAS
Olesya Yu. Gurova
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
MD, PhD
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Berkovskaya M.A., Tarasenko A.A., Fadeev V.V., Gurova O.Yu. Alexithymia and its relation with eating disorders and obesity. Problems of Endocrinology. 2020;66(2):42-48. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.14341/probl12416
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