Psychopathological and Neuroendocrine Mechanisms of “Pregorexia”: The Impact of Caloric Restriction and Gestational Dysmorphic Disorder on Fetoplacental Homeostasis and Long-Term Health Outcomes in Mother and Child
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.79.76788Keywords
pregorexia, Eating disorders in pregnancy, Caloric restriction, Fetoplacental homeostasis, Fetal programming, Maternal malnutrition, Gestational weight gain, Maternal stress, Anorexia nervosaAbstract
Introduction: "Pregorexia" is a popular term used to describe restrictive eating behaviors and excessive physical activity during pregnancy aimed at controlling body weight. Although it is not recognized as a formal psychiatric diagnosis, this phenomenon is associated with serious psychosocial and somatic consequences.
Aim of the study: This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the psychopathological and neuroendocrine mechanisms of "pregorexia," as well as its impact on fetoplacental homeostasis and the long-term health outcomes of both mother and child.
Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed databases to analyze publications concerning the effects of maternal stress, malnutrition, and eating disorders - including anorexia nervosa and pregorexia - on the placenta, the fetus, and the mother.
Review of the literature: Chronic caloric restriction leads to disruptions in neuroendocrine axes (such as the HPA and HPT axes) and induces oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. This impairs placental structure and function (including glucose and amino acid transport) and results in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Epigenetic modifications and fetal programming increase the offspring's risk of metabolic disorders (obesity, insulin resistance) and neurodevelopmental conditions (ADHD, autism spectrum disorders) in adult life. In the mother, nutritional deficiencies and stress exacerbate anxiety, postpartum depression, and hinder the mother-infant bonding process.
Conclusions: "Pregorexia" represents a significant yet frequently overlooked clinical issue requiring early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management involving obstetric, psychological, psychiatric, and dietary care.
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