It seems that there’s no definitive cause for eating disorders. Both my sister, Elizabeth, and I suffered from eating disorders, hers being bulimia and anorexia, and mine being just anorexia. We still can’t pinpoint the cause for Elizabeth’s disorder. We always had several ideas, such as that she had incredibly slim friends, but the one that made the most sense was a genetic cause. Both of my dad’s sisters suffered from eating disorders; one had anorexia and the other was bulimic, which is incredibly similar to Elizabeth’s and my case, and a recent study actually suggests that there may be a gene that contributes to eating disorders. Another study suggests that eating disorders is just as inheritable as schizophrenia and depression. It suggested that an individual is born with a certain gene that makes she or he more susceptible to eating disorders and the cultures around them actually push the person into the disorder.
A study done in 1996 showed that areas on chromosomes 1 and 10 presented possible evidence of being significantly linked to anorexia and bulimia. Also, follow-up studies have shown several genes that may increase a person’s susceptibility to these disorders.
Although there is no definitive proof, just strong suggestions, the possible links and research have been strong enough for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to award a grant of $10 million to the group of researchers conducting the study, making it the first U.S. government funded genetic study of eating disorders. Finding a genetic connection would also help medical professionals come up with better and more effective treatments for people who suffer from these disorders because they would be able to treat based on what gene and chromosome is being affected. There’s certainly seeming to be hope for putting an end to these horrible diseases.
I personally haven’t suffered from an eating disorder but a very close friend of mine has. And surprisingly after reading this article I asked her if her mom had the same issues growing up and she said yes! I wish your blog had a bit more research with info; you said, “Also, follow-up studies have shown several genes that may increase a person’s susceptibility to these disorders.” I would like to hear more about these follow up studies. I like to look at this from a different view point and think maybe it isn’t genetic but possibly the environment one lives in and the behaviors of those around the person. If your sister eats small amounts of food or suffers from anorexia one might follow in her footsteps . This trend might be the same if you notice your mom has poor eating habits; growing up around this may encourage you to do the same thing. Presenting a new theory to the table this article suggests that cooking can bring about anorexia..check it out http://psychcentral.com/news/2006/11/30/cooking-can-signal-eating-disorder/444.html
I found your post very interesting! I never thought that eating disorders could be genetic, but the evidence you shared makes sense! Another possible cause of eating disorders for our generation is the media. We are constantly exposed to thin models with impossible curves. The thing that most of us don’t realize is that most of the celebrities are Photoshopped and the image of them that is shown is unrealistic for anyone to attain. Personally, I think the media has a big impact on teenagers lives and girls strive to look like the woman in the magazines, on television and on social media. The link that I attached shares some facts and statistics about eating disorders and the media. Although you bring up an excellent point that it can be genetic, I think that the media does influence girls a lot.
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/media-body-image-and-eating-disorders
I have never suffered from an eating disorder personally, but after doing some research it seems to be just as genetic as other mutations. According to us news.com, it is significantly more common to develop one if someone in your family has had one.. This could be by chance, but what other factors would explain this besides genetics? Maybe if the lifestyle has been consistent through generations of the family?