Impact of celiac disease on the risk of developing eating disorders – a literature review
Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska
Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska
Szpital Praski pw. Przemienienia Pańskiego, Warszawa, Polska
Uczelnia Warszawska im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie, Warszawa, Polska
Neuropsychiatria i Neuropsychologia 2026; 21
Multidimensional analysis of the relationship between celiac disease and the risk of developing the eating disorder spectrum, particularly anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and orthorexia nervosa. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases (2015–2026). Inclusion criteria comprised studies analyzing the comorbidity of celiac disease and eating psychopathology. Articles focusing on severe mental disorders unrelated to the eating process (e.g., schizophrenia) were excluded, while mood and anxiety disorders were included as a significant clinical context co-occurring with the eating disorder spectrum. The analysis revealed a significantly increased prevalence of anorexia nervosa, observed both in the period preceding the diagnosis of celiac disease and following the implementation of dietary restrictions. A substantial proportion of patients exhibit ARFID features and orthorexic tendencies, resulting from the necessity of rigorous food quality control. Molecular studies suggest the existence of shared genetic pathways (including AKAP6 and NTNG1 genes) for celiac disease and anorexia, indicating dysfunctions within the gut-brain axis. Non-specific psychological distress and fear of the biological consequences of gluten exposure were identified as key predictors of restrictive-type disorders. Celiac disease constitutes a significant extraintestinal risk factor for eating disorders with a complex etiology. A rigorous gluten-free diet may induce heightened dietary vigilance and anxiety, leading to persistent behavioural dysfunctions. Close collaboration between gastroenterologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists is essential for early identification of high-risk groups and optimization of holistic interdisciplinary treatment.
Keywords
celiac disease, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, ARFID, orthorexia, gluten-free diet
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