Astrocyte: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Without homeostatic control of feeding behavior, energy balance will be disturbed
towards either energy surfeit or deficit, respectively, leading to obesity or wasting. Anorexia
Nervosa (AN) is a disorder characterized with food restriction and weight loss1,2 due to intense
fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body weight. The individuals with anorexia
believe they are fat and seek to prevent weight gain by restricting the amount of energy intake
even when they are starvation. Anorexia and its associated disorders impose a huge burden
to our society, so treating and reversing anorexia are of paramount importance. However, the
underlying mechanisms of anorexia are poorly understood, and there is a lack of effective treatments.