Long-Term Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes of Previous Exposure to Short-Term Severe Food Restriction
Abstract
Studies have shown eating disorders affect members of the military and their dependents at a high rate. The percentage of female cadets at risk for eating disorders ranged from 20% to 30% across samples; similarly, ~34% of active-duty females displayed at-risk signs for disordered eating. Military dependents also have higher rates of disordered eating and body weight concerns than their civilian counterparts, with 21% of female adolescent dependents meeting the criteria for disordered eating behaviors. Eating disorders have both short-term and long-term consequences that can be present years after recovery. Not only women with active eating disorders, but also women with a history of eating disorders have increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the mechanisms contributing to the increased risk for “recovered” women have not been previously investigated. This proposal will address an important gap in our knowledge by investigating the mechanisms by which eating disorders produce long-lasting dysregulation of the blood pressure and blood volume regulatory system and the impact this has on pregnancy outcomes. This could lead to a better understanding of the cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with a history of eating disorders and to discovery of new therapeutic targets. This may also lead to better understanding of the cause of preeclampsia/fetal growth restriction, which is largely unknown, leading to a reduction in the incidence of maternal and fetal deaths and attenuation of the long-term cardiovascular and renal disease burden to children and their mothers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110201
Entities
People
- Crystal A. West
Organizations
- Appalachian State University
- United States Army