Can eating disorders like Bulimia and Anorexia be inherited? Let’s find out.

by Ellern Mede Eating Disorder Treatment

When someone suffers from a severe eating disorder such as Bulimia or anorexia, one rather important question that may cross the mind of that person is whether the same ailment will one day affect their children. What’s the answer? Even though there are no substantial reasons as to why someone may or may not suffer from an eating disorder, research does give us the idea that genetics may play some pivotal role in determining who is at risk.

What does the research say?

Extensive studies done on the subject of Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa treatment and causes show that there are certain genetic factors involved in deciding if another family member may be at risk of developing an eating disorder when one family member already has one (or has suffered from one in the past). For example:

1. It is reliably estimated that 10 per cent of all Bulimia and Anorexia sufferers have a family member already suffering from either of the two disorders.

2. Children are at a 10 per cent higher risk of suffering from an eating disorder when another family member is already suffering from one.

3. Genetic factors are responsible for between 58 per cent and 76 per cent of all Anorexia cases.

4. Close to 6 per cent of all Anorexia sufferers tend to have a sister suffering from the same disorder.

5. The likelihood of suffering from Bulimia is four times higher when a relative of the same family suffers from it.

6. When one identical twin suffers from an eating disorder, the likelihood of the other twin suffering from the same disorder is increased significantly.

What could be the reasons behind these scientific findings?

(a) A variant in the gene for serotonin receptors (influential over neurological processes such as anxiety, depression, mood and perception, etc.) is shared in families where a history of eating disorders is present.

(b) The same genetic factors that make a person susceptible to personality disorders, substance abuse, and previously mentioned neurological processes, also make a person more susceptible to eating disorders like Anorexia and Bulimia.

(c) Children who grow up around family members with a negative attitude towards food and eating, in general, are at a significantly higher risk of suffering from an eating disorder than children who grow up around family members who have a more positive attitude towards food and eating.

Other risk factors for developing an eating disorder may include:

Other risk factors for developing an eating disorder may include:

1) Low self-esteem

2) Emotional disorders (anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], etc.),

3) Perfectionist personalities

4) Impulsive or obsessive personality traits (distinguishing characteristics or qualities, especially of one’s personal nature) as well as

5) Professions where weight may affect performance (actors/actresses, dancers, gymnasts, models, etc.)

Closing Remarks!

Although there is no 100 per cent clear-cut evidence that either Bulimia or Anorexia are hereditary, certain studies do indicate a strong connection between the two. Where a family history of eating disorders exists, there is a strong possibility that other members of the same family may, at some point during their lifetime, also suffer from one (more common at a younger age).

If you or someone you know and care about is suffering from an eating disorder, a consultation with an eating disorder therapist in London should be considered.

 

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Created on Jan 16th 2020 08:03. Viewed 265 times.

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