Eating Disorders · Texas behavioral health news
Scientists Found a Hormone That Could Predict Anorexia Relapse Before It Happens - ScienceAlert
Eating Disorders (Google News) · July 12, 2026
In plain language
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder, and many patients face a high risk of relapse shortly after leaving the hospital. New research suggests that a specific hormone called LEAP2 might help predict which patients are most likely to struggle after treatment. This hormone acts as a blocker to the body’s normal hunger signals, and high levels are linked to impulsive behaviors and weight loss. Monitoring these hormone levels through blood tests could one day help doctors identify at-risk patients and provide better support to prevent relapse.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- High levels of the hormone LEAP2 appear to block the body's natural hunger signals in people with anorexia.
- Patients who relapsed within six months of treatment showed higher levels of this specific hormone.
- Research indicates that this hormonal imbalance may drive impulsive behaviors regarding food and weight.
- Testing for this biomarker could help doctors identify which patients need extra support to prevent a relapse.
- These findings may lead to the development of new medications to help treat the metabolic side of eating disorders.
Scientists Found a Hormone That Could Predict Anorexia Relapse Before It Happens ScienceAlert
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