Scientists are exploring a new idea: what if we could give the brain a different type of fuel to help treat anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder? Researchers reviewed studies about ketones—special molecules the body makes when it doesn’t have enough carbohydrates—and how they might affect the brain and behavior. They found that genetics play a role in anorexia nervosa, and that our body’s metabolism (how we use energy) might be important in the disorder. The scientists suggest that giving people with anorexia nervosa ketones or similar molecules could be a new treatment worth studying more carefully.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether ketones (a type of fuel the brain can use) might help treat anorexia nervosa by changing how the brain and body work
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research, not a study with human participants. Scientists looked at many previous studies about ketones and eating disorders.
  • Key finding: Ketones might be a promising new treatment approach for anorexia nervosa because they provide alternative energy to the brain and may affect behaviors related to the disorder
  • What it means for you: This research is still very early. While ketones show promise as a potential future treatment, more studies in real people are needed before doctors could recommend this approach. If you or someone you know has anorexia nervosa, talk to a doctor about current proven treatments.

The Research Details

This is a literature review, which means scientists read and summarized many existing studies instead of doing their own experiment. The researchers looked at what we know about ketones—special molecules the body makes when it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. They examined how ketones affect the brain, energy use, and behavior. They also looked at studies about the ketogenic diet (a high-fat, low-carb diet that makes ketones) and how it impacts the brain and eating behaviors. Finally, they thought about how ketones might specifically help people with anorexia nervosa, which is an eating disorder where people severely restrict food intake.

The researchers organized their findings into different sections: first explaining how ketones work in the body, then discussing how they affect the brain and behavior, and finally proposing how ketones might help treat anorexia nervosa. They also discussed whether giving people ketones directly (rather than through diet) could be helpful.

This type of review is important because it brings together information from many different studies to spot patterns and new ideas. Since anorexia nervosa is a serious disorder that’s hard to treat, scientists need to think creatively about new approaches. By looking at what we know about ketones and the brain, researchers can identify promising directions for future treatment research.

This is a literature review published in a respected scientific journal, which means experts checked the work. However, because it’s a review rather than a new study, it summarizes existing research rather than providing brand-new evidence. The ideas about using ketones for anorexia nervosa are mostly theoretical at this point—they haven’t been tested much in people with the disorder yet. Readers should understand this is an early-stage idea that needs much more research.

What the Results Show

The researchers found that ketones are molecules the brain can use for energy, just like glucose (sugar). When the body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates, it breaks down fat and makes ketones instead. These ketones can cross into the brain and provide fuel there. The brain normally uses glucose, but it can adapt to use ketones when needed.

The review suggests that ketones might affect behavior and mood because they influence how brain cells communicate and function. Some research shows that ketones may reduce hunger signals and affect how the brain processes food-related thoughts. This could potentially be helpful for people with anorexia nervosa, who struggle with distorted thinking about food and eating.

The scientists also noted that genetic research shows metabolism (how the body uses energy) plays a role in anorexia nervosa risk. This suggests that targeting metabolism—perhaps through ketones—could be a new treatment direction. They proposed that giving people with anorexia nervosa ketones or ketone-like molecules might provide their brains with needed energy while also potentially improving the disordered eating behaviors.

The review discussed how the ketogenic diet (high fat, low carbohydrate) affects the brain and behavior in general. Some studies suggest it may improve mood and reduce anxiety in certain people. The researchers also explored how ketones might affect the reward system in the brain—the part that makes us want to eat. They noted that people with anorexia nervosa often have unusual brain activity in areas related to reward and decision-making, and ketones might help normalize this.

This review builds on growing interest in how metabolism affects mental health. Previous research has shown that genetics influence anorexia nervosa risk, but most treatments focus on psychology and behavior. This review suggests that metabolic approaches (changing how the body uses energy) haven’t been explored much yet for eating disorders. The idea of using ketones is relatively new in this field, though ketones have been studied for other brain conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.

This is a review of existing research, not a new study with participants, so it cannot prove that ketones actually help people with anorexia nervosa. Most of the ideas presented are theoretical—they haven’t been tested in people with eating disorders yet. The researchers acknowledge that we still don’t fully understand how ketones might work in anorexia nervosa specifically. Additionally, the ketogenic diet and ketone supplements can have side effects and risks, which would need careful study before recommending them for eating disorders. More research is needed before this approach could become a real treatment option.

The Bottom Line

At this stage, ketones should NOT be used as a treatment for anorexia nervosa outside of research studies. Current proven treatments include therapy, medical care, and nutritional rehabilitation. However, this review suggests that ketones deserve further scientific investigation as a potential future treatment. If you’re interested in new research directions, talk to your doctor or a specialist in eating disorders.

This research is most relevant to scientists and doctors studying eating disorders and metabolism. People with anorexia nervosa and their families should be aware of promising research directions, but should focus on proven treatments now. Researchers interested in metabolism and mental health should find this review interesting.

This is very early-stage research. Even if ketones prove helpful in future studies, it would likely take 5-10 years or more before they could become an available treatment. Current treatments for anorexia nervosa should be pursued now, as they have proven effectiveness.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using a nutrition or health app, users interested in this research could track their current eating patterns and energy levels to establish a baseline. This would be useful if they participate in future ketone-related research studies.
  • For now, focus on evidence-based eating disorder recovery: regular meals, adequate nutrition, and working with healthcare providers. Don’t attempt ketogenic diets or ketone supplements without medical supervision, as they can be dangerous for people with eating disorders.
  • Stay informed about new research on ketones and eating disorders through reputable sources like PubMed or your doctor. If you have anorexia nervosa, work with your treatment team to monitor your physical and mental health as you recover using proven approaches.

This review discusses early-stage research ideas about ketones and anorexia nervosa. Ketones and ketogenic diets are NOT currently recommended treatments for eating disorders and can be dangerous without medical supervision. If you or someone you know has anorexia nervosa or another eating disorder, please seek help from qualified healthcare providers who specialize in eating disorders. Current evidence-based treatments include therapy, medical monitoring, and nutritional rehabilitation. Do not attempt to use ketone supplements or ketogenic diets for eating disorder treatment without explicit guidance from your medical team. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.