Dysregulated eating behaviour and microbiota-based interventions targeting eating disorders and food addiction.

2026-03-29
Gut microbes 18(1)

PubMed: 41906418
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2026.2647535

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: This review is structured into two main sections: the first section describes compulsive eating behaviors, namely, BN, BED, and FA; the second section provides an extensive summary of the recent research years behind the search for microbiota signatures and potential microbiota-based therapeutic interventions for managing EDs and FA in both humans and animal models.

The consumption of highly processed, hyperpalatable food in Western societies increases the risk of developing obesity and compulsive eating behaviors, which include food addiction (FA) and eating disorders (EDs), such as bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). These behaviors can lead to a range of health consequences, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cognitive impairments, and mental health disorders, among others. Given the evidence suggesting the involvement of the gut microbiota in regulating eating behavior, in recent years, scientists have sought to identify microbiota signatures associated with EDs and FAs. Multiple pro- and prebiotics, as well as other microbiota-based therapeutic interventions, have been suggested as preventive or treatment strategies for FA and EDs. To provide a comprehensive overview, this review is structured into two main sections. The first section describes compulsive eating behaviors, namely, BN, BED, and FA, recognizing their similarities and differences, and highlighting the importance of the proper distinction for the selection of targeted and effective treatment approaches. The second section provides an extensive summary of the recent research years behind the search for microbiota signatures and potential microbiota-based therapeutic interventions for managing EDs and FA in both humans and animal models.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07	—	No Applicable Outcome Reported	Neutral	Small	View source The provided text is a review abstract about dysregulated eating behaviour and microbiota-based interventions, and it does not report specific health outcomes for consumption of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07.
Bifidobacterium lactis BI-04	—	Improved Gastrointestinal Health	Beneficial	Small	View source Bifidobacterium lactis BI-04 has been suggested as a preventive or treatment strategy for FA and EDs.
Lactobacillus salivarius HA-118	—	Reduced Anxiety-like Behavior	Beneficial	Small	View source Treatment with Lactobacillus salivarius HA-118 also reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the binge eating disorder rat model.
Lactobacillus salivarius HA-118	—	Reduced Binge Eating Tendencies	Beneficial	Small	View source Lactobacillus salivarius HA-118 was found to decrease binge-eating behavior in a rat model of binge eating disorder.