An expert in psychiatric genetics as turned her attention upon the problem of binge eating with a new book titled Crave: Why You Binge Eat and How to Stop. The book was written by Cynthia Bulik, Ph.D, who serves as the director of the University of North Carolina Eating Disorders Program.

In a May 15 entry on the website of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, writer Mark Jacob noted Bulik's interest in the genetic component of eating disorders. "Bulik ... defines binge eating as consuming a volume of food that others would consider unusually excessive and feeling out of control while doing so," Jacob wrote. "She said research shows that eating disorders have a strong genetic component (47 percent in one landmark Norwegian study) and often are induced by extreme dieting."

Experts estimate that about 3.5 percent of women and two percent of men will be affected by binge eating disorder at least once in their lives.

The Crave website notes that "genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, psychology, and cultural pressures increase a person's susceptibility to binge eating disorder, but bingeing is not inevitable."

Labels: binge eating, genes

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There's much that's still misunderstood about eating disorders. The most common misunderstanding is that it's a choice. Still another is that it only affects high school and college students.

"...the doctor told us that while it's uncommon, eating disorders have been found in girls as young as 7 and 8 years old. Yes, 7 and 8 years old. That's barely elementary school. And what is perfectly common is to find them in girls of ages 13, 14, 15, 16."

More and more studies are finding that there are biological/genetic factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders. Another fact few people know is that eating disorders have a higher mortality rate than any other mental illness. Read more at PittNews.com.

Labels: causes of eating disorders, myths, genes

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Researchers in Europe have identified five factors that appear to be key predictors of whether someone who's been hospitalized for an eating disorder will have to be rehospitalized during the course of his or her treatment.

"Many individuals with anorexia nervosa require repeated in-patient treatment, and there is evidence that shorter hospital stays and poor weight gain upon leaving the hospital could help drive the need for readmission, Dr. Hans-Christoph Steinhausen of the University of Zurich in Switzerland and colleagues note."

Other indicators included: family history of anorexia, having an alcoholic father, and disordered eating during infancy. Read more at NLM.NIH.gov.

Labels: prevention, genes, predictors

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A study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has found that the more someone understands the genetics behind anorexia, the less likely he or she is to blame an anorexic patient for their illness.

"'This is a potentially important finding because it suggests that wide dissemination of information about the biological and genetic underpinnings of anorexia nervosa could help decrease the blame-based stigma that is associated with the disorder,' study author Michele A. Crisafulli said in a prepared statement."

The study was conducted with 115 undergraduate nursing students who were given information either about the genetic and biological factors or the environmental factors of eating disorders, and were then asked to rate factors that might contribute to anorexia. Students who read about the genetics and biology were less likely to blame the patient for his or her condition.

All girls schools like Copper Canyon Academy help remove the pressures that many girls face when they attend a public school. Copper Canyon Academy boarding schools for troubled girls offer excellent academics and therapy.

Labels: causes of eating disorders, study, genes

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Prader-Willi Syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes a person to feel hungry all the time. The syndrome affects the hypothalamus region of the brain, which controls - among other things - feelings of fullness or hunger. Because someone with Prader-Willi always feels hungry, a serious eating disorder is developed that can cause life-threatening obesity.

"This problem is made worse because people with Prader-Willi syndrome use fewer calories than those without the syndrome because they have less muscle mass. The combination of eating massive amounts of food and not burning enough calories can lead to life-threatening obesity if the diet is not kept under strict control."

Other symptoms of Prader-Willi include decreased muscle mass, slower development of motor and language skills, and cognitive problems. Read more at NICHD.NIH.gov.

Labels: calorie_restriction, genes, hunger

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A ten-year long study funded by the National Institute of Health has found that some people may be genetically predisposed to anorexia nervosa. The study found that someone who had a family member who struggled with anorexia was 12 times more at risk of developing the illness.

"'Genetics loads the gun. Environment pulls the trigger,' said [Craig] Johnson, the director of the eating disorders unit at Laureate Psychiatric Hospital in Tulsa..."

The study's authors acknowledge that genetics doesn't guarantee that someone will develop anorexia, but that it could make a person more sensitive to the environmental conditions which often trigger the illness. Read more online.

Labels: anorexia, research, genes

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The author of a new book on eating disorders rejects the idea that these problems are the result of poor parenting, child abuse, oppression of women, control issues, or a refusal to enter adulthood.

Instead, Dr. Julie O'Toole believes that at the basis of eating disorders are brains that are not working properly in regard to food and survival. She believes that anorexia nervosa in particular is a chronic, inherited brain disorder.

Dr. O'Toole holds an M.D. in public health and works primarily in the field of child behavior at the Kartini Clinic in Portland, Oregon.

Her new book, Give Food a Chance, is for medical professionals and parents of young people who are suffering from anorexia, bulimia and food phobias. The book includes meal plans, medical stabilization, family involvement, medications, psychological recovery plans, and so forth. She also discusses the symptoms and consequences of food phobia (fear of swallowing).
 

Labels: genes, causes of eating disorders

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Anorexia nervosa is among the most challenging mental disorders for rehab facilities to treat successfully. Many individuals who suffer from the condition simply relapse after completing treatment. Now, a new study has found that genetics may be at the heart of this grim reality.

A team of researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia analyzed genetic data from more than 1,000 participants with anorexia. The information was compared to data from individuals who did not have the condition.

The researchers found that individuals who suffered from anorexia had certain genetic variants in common. The findings confirm smaller studies conducted previously among twins, which showed common genetic markers among individuals with the disorder.

While anorexia is relatively rare, it affects a disproportionate number of women. In addition to explaining the association among families, the results of the study could clear up the reasons behind these gender differences.

Researchers said that the findings could help them determine through hereditary associations individuals who are at the greatest risk of developing anorexia. This could make it easier for these individuals to seek treatment from rehab facilities in the earliest stages of the condition, while it is most treatable.
 

Labels: anorexia, genes

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