Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are really intricate mental health problems. They affect people all over the world. They show abnormal eating habits, which is the first disorder. They also express intense concerns about body weight or shape. Therefore, it results in substantial physical and emotional impacts. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether eating problems are genetic is the question, “are eating disorders genetic?”. 

In this blog, we will investigate the relationship between genes and eating disorders. We will also examine the proof that underpins the claim that these diseases are inheritable.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders deserve serious attention. They may be life-threatening. States with extreme emotions, personalities, and actions concerning weight and food are included. They are about more than just food. They are complex mental health conditions. They are often in need of medical and psychological help. Genetics will not be addressed until we have a better idea of eating disorders. We need to understand what their signs look like. The three most common eating disorders are:

Anorexia Nervosa

The most prevalent symptom of anorexia nervosa is the fear of getting fat. This concern forces them to limit their food consumption to a great extent. Anorexia sufferers often suffer from a disturbed body image. They regard themselves as fat, even when they are of low weight. This disorder leads to excessive weight loss. The loss of nutrients and other health problems also arise.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa typically includes binge eating. This is then followed by attempts to avoid gaining weight, and these behaviors include purging, excessive exercise, and using laxatives. Whereas people with anorexia may be significantly underweight, other people with bulimia nervosa may remain in a normal range. Therefore, the disorder may be less visible, but it is not less damaging.

Binge-Eating Disorder

People suffering from binge-eating disorders consume large quantities of food. They are doing this habitually, and it is often done in a short, quick manner, to a degree that makes them uncomfortable, which is different from people with bulimia. A patient with binge eating does not employ compensatory behaviors. This can result in weight gain and medical problems.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders

The signs of eating disorders differ based on the type. There are actually some shared signs, but the symptoms of eating disorders are different from each other. The following points are some of the common signs, but they are not limited to these, but some common signs include:

• Severe weight loss or weight gain
• Excessive eating, strict diets, and feelings about not being satisfied with the body are also the most addressed disorders.
• Distorted image of the body
  
• Overconsumption of food in a short period of time followed by purging (throwing up, excessive exercise, or using laxatives)
• Refusing to eat, or only eating very little
• Patterned food starts to appear. For example, a person becomes preoccupied with which utensils to use, arranging food on the plate, food mixing recipes, etc.
• Following distancing from activities involving people

The Role of Genetics in Eating Disorders

The question, “are eating disorders genetic?” is complex. Genetic studies have found that people with eating disorders are more likely to have a family member who also has an eating disorder. Yet, researchers have also stated that other causes are influencing the diseases as well. Such a situation is demonstrated when experiments have shown that individuals who have a family background linked to eating disorders usually suffer from these conditions.

• Twin Studies

Research among twins plays an essential role in identifying the genetic cause behind eating disorders. By doing so, they compare how similar each type of eating disorder is. They are born from one embryo and have 100% of the same DNA. Fraternal twins are born from two different embryos and have only 50% shared DNA. In recent research, the concordance rates in identical twin pairs were observed to be higher than in fraternal twins. This result shows that genes are responsible for such diseases.

• Genetic Linkage Studies

A genetic linkage study shows that several genes are involved in eating disorders. It is proven, for example, that genes encoding serotonin and dopamine can be found on chromosomes. These are the molecules that are responsible for the regulation of mood and appetite. The variations of these genes are thought to be the causative mechanisms for anorexia and bulimia.

• Family Studies

The findings of a study conducted on families show that genetics can be the main reason for eating disorders. Genetic and familial studies are conducted in medical science, and they have always indicated that eating disorders have a strong genetic component. The study also discovered that people with eating disorders have blood relatives. These individuals face a higher probability of developing these conditions. For instance, the risk of developing anorexia nervosa is 11 times higher for first-degree relatives. This is compared to the general population. The risk of bulimia nervosa quadruples among first-degree relatives. Therefore, genes and environmental factors are the most likely causes.

• Molecular Genetic Studies

Ongoing advancements in the field of molecular genetics have enabled scientists to find the precise genes and genetic alterations causing eating disorders. Eating disorders are a genetically related disease complex that has a high phenotypic diversity. Besides, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) method has been a big success in locating many genes that correlate with the risk of getting anorexia nervosa as well as other eating disorders. To be specific, in 2019, the “Nature Genetics” journal published a study that discovered eight genetic loci linked to anorexia nervosa. This study shows that it takes a combination of many genes for these conditions to occur, and they are indeed complex.

• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

This category of eating disorders refers to those in which the criteria of the above disorders do not fit. Nonetheless, they are still a great health threat. Anorexia nervosa can be a severe case, which can be followed by weird eating patterns as well as avoidant or restrictive food intake and can be atypical anorexia nervosa. purging disorder, and night eating syndrome are some examples

Biological Mechanisms

The biological mechanisms behind eating disorders are extremely complex, as they originate from a multitude of factors, namely genetics, the brain, and hormones.

Neurotransmitters

Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are bioactive amines that neural cells produce to communicate with and are also neurotransmitters. They regulate our moods and hunger. Studies of individuals with eating disorders have shown that cognitive, emotional, and sensory/processing abnormalities are present in their neurotransmitter systems.

Hormonal Imbalances

The disturbance of hormonal levels is the main focus of eating disorders. Leptin influences the signals that administer hunger and fullness. Ghrelin, which the stomach releases, is related to hunger, too. These imbalances can change the way people see hunger and fullness. Poor eating habits have become the norm.

Brain Structure and Function

Image scans of the brain have demonstrated particular zones of the brain that are not the same. The individuals in question have eating disorders. For example, the hypothalamus regulates hunger and energy balance. Abnormalities in it have been observed.

Psychological and Social Factors

Some people might easily think of eating disorders as only genetic and biological matters. However, the role of psychology and the social environment is also very important.

Psychological Factors

People who are suffering from eating disorders are known to have certain personality traits. Such characteristics include perfectionism, low self-esteem, and impulsivity. Moreover, anxiety and depression are mental health conditions. They can lead to the development of an eating disorder.

Social Factors

Pressure from society to fit into a certain body type and norms that relate to food habits and dieting can cause people to engage in disordered eating. Furthermore, the exposure of people to media that propagate unattainable body ideals is another. Psychological and genetic factors often find their expression through societal influences, leading to eating disorders.

Treatment and Management

To recover from an eating disorder, the way to healing is to address it all. Body, mind, and social aspects of the condition are crucial points.

Medical Treatment

During the whole of the medical treatment procedure, attention is given to keeping the patient’s physical health in equilibrium. The patient’s nutrition may need to be fixed, this could also be optimized through an appropriate diet. It also involves the monitoring of vital signs and the treatment of any medical complications of the eating disorder.

Psychological Therapy

Psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are successful in the management of eating disorders. These therapies enable people to think, feel, and act differently. They support them in making positive changes to their attitudes and behaviors concerning food and the body.

Medication

At times, doctors administer medication. The purpose of medication is to regulate mental health conditions that come with eating disorders. Such conditions include anxiety and depression.

Support Groups

Addiction treatment programs and community support can be a source of valuable emotional backup. They can also offer realistic guidance for those who are recovering from eating disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are eating disorders genetic?

Yes, strong evidence suggests the role of genetics in the causation of eating disorders. Still, they are not the only reasons for them.

Q: Can we cure eating disorders?

No, there is no cure for eating disorders. However, they can be kept under control with medication, behavior therapy, and social support.

Q: Can men develop eating disorders?

Yes, eating disorders can strike men as well. However, they are more frequently encountered in women.

Q: How can I support someone with an eating disorder?

Empathize with them. Suggest that they become acquainted with the doctor. Familiarize yourself with eating disorders, which will enable you to work with them better.

Conclusion

Interrogation such as “are eating disorders genetic?” is multilateral. Genetics and biology are widely known to be significant factors in the development process. Moreover, environmental and social factors have contributed to the same extent. It is important to see the big picture and realize that various factors cause eating disorders. Treating and managing them are the core of success. If you or someone you know is affected by an eating disorder, the best thing is for you or them to seek professional help and support. It cannot be overstated. Rapid intervention is a powerful accelerator of recovery. Connect with us at  Avisa Recovery to acquire more information on how we can help alleviate the suffering of your friend/family member.