Are eating disorders genetic? The research is in.

 

Written by CCTC Staff Writer


A lot of our physical and psychological traits are encoded into us before we're even born. You may have your father's eyes, your mother's stubborn disposition, and you and your siblings may all have your grandmother's curls. Scientists have wondered whether eating disorders are hereditary as well. Is there some underlying connection between genetics and eating disorders? If someone in your family has an eating disorder, are you fated to suffer with one as well?


In this post, you'll get the answer to that question, as well as:

  • How likely it is that eating disorders run in the family

  • How much your environment influences the likelihood of developing an eating disorder

  • What to do if you know someone in your family has an eating disorder

  • What to do if you are the one struggling with disordered thoughts and behaviors

How likely is it that eating disorders are hereditary?

Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that have no one cause. There are environmental, psychological, character traits, and — yes, genetic factors — that all determine whether or not someone will develop an eating disorder.

Research shows that, on average, someone is 7-12 times more likely to develop an eating disorder if someone in their family has one. This suggests that eating disorders may be hereditary.

Eating Disorders and Genetics: What does the latest research say?

Researchers have also studied eating disorders on both identical and fraternal twins. Identical twins share identical DNA, while fraternal twins have 50% identical DNA.

In these studies, identical twins were found to be two times more likely to develop an eating disorder than fraternal twins, which shows that there is a strong genetic component to developing an eating disorder.

Wide studies that look at the entire human genome sequence show that 40-60% of the vulnerability to develop an eating disorder is due to genetic factors.

A lot of the variation in eating disorders in families have to do with their unique environmental situation. 

For example, two twins that both share the same environment have the same likelihood of developing an eating disorder. If they live in different environments, and only one develops an eating disorder, this shows the influence of one's environment over one's genetic predisposition.

One child could have been in an abusive household, and the resulting trauma could have been the catalyst for a dormant, inactive eating disorder. The other child lives in a safe, nurturing household, so nothing ever ignites or triggers their disorder.

Epigenetics: This emerging field could explain why some family members develop an eating disorder, and some don’t.

Epigenetics is, in very simple terms, the study of why some genes express themselves, while others do not. A huge focus in this field of study is the role one's environment and behaviors plays in gene expression. 

Two people in a family may both share genetic code, but only one may express that gene — in this case, the genes related to eating disorders. That gene may be activated by environmental factors, activating an eating disorder.

For example, two people may both have a genetic predisposition for an eating disorder. However, only the person who is constantly exposed to diet culture will go on to develop one.

Epigenetic changes in gene expression are reversible. So while you can't really change your genetic code, you can change your environment and your behaviors — you can recover, no matter what your genetic code is or what your past experiences are.


Related: Here is how to set boundaries around diet talk and protect your recovery.

What should you do if you or someone in your family has an eating disorder?

1. Don't panic.

First of all, don’t panic. Not everyone in your family is destined to develop an eating disorder. 

If you are the one suffering with an eating disorder, your siblings or children aren’t automatically going to develop one. You can’t blame yourself if they do end up with an eating disorder. You can’t help genetics, but you can try to be a source of strength and set an example of what recovery looks like.

2. Talk about the dangers of eating disorders.

If you know that you or someone in your family has an eating disorder, the entire family should be aware of the signs, symptoms, and consequences of an eating disorder.

Not everyone needs to know necessarily who is struggling, but everyone — especially children — should know what eating disorders look like and what to do if they find themselves with disordered thoughts or behaviors.

Related: This is how to talk to children about eating disorders.

3. Watch out for signs of an eating disorder.

If you know that you are at risk for an eating disorder, monitor your thoughts and behaviors. Knowing that you are at a greater risk than the general population to struggle, and catching an eating disorder early makes it much more likely that you will make a full recovery.

Also, look after siblings/children in the family. Eating disorders cause sufferers to lie about their behaviors, so it's best to be vigilant.

4. Use your heightened awareness to your advantage.

Some people (but not many) can go on a diet, or start a rigid exercise routine, and never develop an eating disorder.

But you are not the same as everyone else. You are at a greater risk, and you should do everything in your power to avoid environmental triggers that may activate an underlying eating disorder. 


To avoid developing an eating disorder:


5. Seek out help.

If you notice yourself, or someone you love, starting to have eating disorder thoughts or engage in disordered behaviors, it's time to ask for help.

Your loved one, whether it's a sibling or child or even a parent, may be angry with you for sharing what is most likely one of their deepest secrets. But once they are firmly in recovery, they will thank you for noticing their struggle.


Related: This is how to encourage an adult loved one to seek eating disorder treatment.


You (or your loved one) might not think the thoughts or behaviors are "that serious," but the longer someone has them, the harder it will be to recover — especially with a genetic predisposition.


If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, don’t panic. Take the first step today and talk to someone about recovery or learn more about the holistic, flexible eating disorder recovery programs we offer.




 
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