Can eating disorders be genetic?
All eating disorders, like all mental illnesses, have a genetic link. Thanks to twin, family and genome-wide association studies, we know more than ever about the relationship between genetics and eating disorder risk. Over time, this will help to shed light on treatment and prevention approaches.
What causes eating disorders?
There is no one single cause of an eating disorder. Genetic, environmental, social and cultural factors all play a role in development. Examples of contributing factors include:
Having specific personality traits (perfectionism, rigidity)
Having a history of dieting or binge eating
Do eating disorders run in families?
Twin and family studies show that having a family history of eating disorders increases one’s risk. For example, identical twins are more likely to share a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa than fraternal twins. While eating disorders run in families, genetics don’t explain all eating disorder risk. It is also important to understand the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating, as both patterns can appear within families.
The role of genetics
As mentioned, one’s genes do play a role in eating disorder risk. The genes we inherit may make someone more vulnerable, but they do not determine whether an eating disorder will develop.
For example, if you have a first-degree relative with an eating disorder, you are three times more likely to have an eating disorder compared to the general population.[1] In other words, your risk may be increased but it does not guarantee that you will have an eating disorder.
Researchers studying specific eating disorders suggest that genes may account for:
Up to three-quarters of the risk for anorexia nervosa
Up to three-quarters of the risk for bulimia nervosa
About half of the risk for binge eating disorder[2]
Gene variants
Research has identified certain genetic differences that affect how the brain regulates appetite, eating behaviors, mood and thought patterns.[2] These genetic differences all play a role in the development of eating disorders.
Serotonin and anorexia
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in regulating mood, appetite and sleep. A genetic variant that affects serotonin levels has been linked with an increased risk of anorexia nervosa in specific groups.[3] How neurotransmitter variation influences mental illness and the development of eating disorders is still an area of research, but this shows that eating disorders have a significant neurobiological and genetic component.
How do my genes determine my risk?
Consider your family history. Have any relatives struggled with disordered eating patterns? If so, you may have a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.
At this time there is no genetic test that predicts whether someone will have an eating disorder. And even if your genes show an increased risk, it’s not like a “genetics” switch instantly gets turned on. Life experiences, environmental and cultural factors also play a role.
As an example, let’s look at major depressive disorder, which has been well studied. Genetics can affect a person’s risk for depression but there is not a single “depression gene.” Life experiences like stress and trauma play a role in development of depression, just as life experiences play a role in the development of eating disorders.
Can I reduce my risk?
If you have a family history of eating disorders, there are steps you can take to possibly reduce the risk of developing an eating disorder. One of the best ways is to regularly nourish your body and brain with adequate nutrition.
When the body does not get enough nutrients, malnutrition can occur, increasing the risk of an eating disorder developing. Malnutrition can occur when people:
Go on diets
Eat less because of stress or anxiety
Become so busy that they regularly skip meals
Have limited access to food due to financial challenges or other factors
Even during stressful times, it’s important to stay nourished. This is especially important for those who have a genetic risk for eating disorders.
You can also let your medical or behavioral health providers know you have a family history of an eating disorder, so they can help you monitor your risk factors and support you in staying nourished and healthy.
Lifestyle factors that increase risk
Nutrition is important to maintain brain health, but it’s not the only factor. Lifestyle and life transitions can also affect the brain and influence one’s risk for eating disorders and mental health problems. Examples of life changes that can make one more vulnerable include:
Moving to a new home
Starting a new school
Going to college
Starting a new job
Getting married
Having a baby
Losing a loved one
These types of changes can put a lot of stress on the body and brain. Building coping skills ahead of time can help you manage that stress.
A message to parents and caregivers
This is what I want parents and caregivers of those with eating disorders to hear: You are not to blame for your loved one’s eating disorder.
If your child has an eating disorder, it is natural to wonder if you could have done things differently. But multiple factors, including genetics, environment and life experiences, have all played a role. Please remember:
The eating disorder is not your fault.
It’s not your loved one’s fault either.
Eating disorders run in families.
Environment and culture also play a role.
Brain health is an important part of recovery.
Help is always available – and early support makes a major difference.
Read: 10 Things Parents Need to Know About Eating Disorders
Putting science into perspective
Eating disorders have existed for centuries and our understanding of the genetic link is still growing. While there is no single way to prevent an eating disorder, there are steps that can lower risk:
Staying nourished
Increasing coping skills
Planning ahead during stressful times
The discussion of genetics is complex. If you have questions or concerns, our team is here to help. Please give us a call at (866) 622-5914 or fill out this form to learn more about support options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about genetic risk and eating disorders.
Is anorexia nervosa genetic?
Yes, anorexia nervosa has a genetic component and is passed down through families.[2,4] One study found that females who have relatives with anorexia nervosa are 11 times more likely to develop the illness themselves.[5]
Environmental influences also play a role in the development of anorexia nervosa. Behaviors like dieting or being taught that smaller bodies are better than larger bodies can increase eating disorder risk.[4]
Is bulimia nervosa genetic?
Yes, bulimia nervosa can be inherited. Females who have relatives with bulimia nervosa are more than four times as likely to also have the illness.[5] Similar to anorexia nervosa, environmental factors also play a role in bulimia nervosa risk.[4]
Is binge eating disorder genetic?
Research shows that binge eating disorder can run in families and genetics play a role.[6] A study of twins found that while genes matter, environmental factors have a strong influence as well.[7] The risk for inheriting binge eating disorder tends to be lower than the risk for inheriting anorexia or bulimia.
Are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa genetically correlated?
In a study of nearly 800,000 sisters and half-sisters, researchers found that anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are strongly genetically correlated, aligning with previous studies on twins.[4] Interestingly, the genetic correlation between the two eating disorders was higher than is typically found between eating disorders and other mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depression.[4]
When should I seek support if I’m worried about my risk of developing an eating disorder?
If you’re concerned about developing an eating disorder—or you’ve begun noticing changes in thoughts or behaviors around food, eating or weight—it's completely understandable to have questions. You do not need a diagnosis, clear symptoms or certainty to reach out. Getting support early can help prevent patterns from becoming more distressing and can make a meaningful difference in recovery outcomes.
If you’d like to talk with a specialist to sort through your concerns, we’re here for you.
Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team or call us now at 866-622-5914.