Like many mental health issues teens and adults face, eating disorders have a genetic component to them. However, that doesn’t mean that adolescents who have parents with eating disorders are destined to inherit one at some point in their lives. Eating disorders are complex, and there are many different factors that can contribute to the onset of anorexia, bulimia, and other types of eating disorders.

Do Eating Disorders Tend to Run in Families?

While genetics are not the only deciding factor in a person developing an eating disorder, they do play a significant role.

Research that was conducted on the genetics of eating disorders by Dr. Wade Berrettini indicates that a person with a family history of eating disorders could have a 50% or greater chance of developing one.

Even though eating disorders often do run in families, it is still possible to avoid developing symptoms.

Are People Born with Eating Disorders?

No one is born with an eating disorder, but it is possible to be born with a predisposition toward developing one later in life.

Additionally, there are certain genes an individual may inherit that could increase their risk, such as:

Dopaminergic genes - These genes help with regulating one’s emotional well-being, the way they think, eating and other motor activities, and any behaviors they associate with rewards.
Appetite regulating genes - These genes assist in controlling a person’s hunger levels.
Serotonergic genes - These genes also influence emotional well-being, mood, food intake, and body weight regulation.
Opioid genes - These genes help to regulate food intake levels, pain sensitivity levels, and a person’s tendency toward addictive behaviors.

What are the Risk Factors for Developing an Eating Disorder?

For people with a family history of eating disorders, their risk of developing bulimia, anorexia, or another eating disorder is higher if any of the following are also true.

Female Vs. Male

While males do struggle with eating disorders, females are more likely to develop one.

While societal pressures differ between men and women and can have an effect, the Oxford Academic cites a study on gender and how women are much more susceptible because of their tendency to believe negative self-talk, feel self-conscious, or simply be dissatisfied with their bodies.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

The vast majority of people struggling with an eating disorder are also battling an additional type of challenge - mental health.

Issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance use often co-occur with eating disorders. Teens in particular are likely to turn to eating disorders when they feel anxious or depressed because it’s a way for them to feel more in control.

Struggling with Eating Early in Life

Some people begin battling early eating disorders when they are very young. Those who experience difficulties when they’re infants or young children demonstrate a higher risk of developing them at some point during their adult years.

Cultivating a Negative Self-Image

Many people suffer from a negative self-image. This can occur as a result of undergoing physical, sexual, or verbal abuse as a child, or from losing a close friend or family member.

Additionally, in our beauty-obsessed society, the way a person perceives themselves can be a result of mixed messages received from diet culture (and social media) on what attractive or “healthy” really means.

Find high Quality Eating Disorder Treatment Today

If you or a loved one are interested in learning about eating disorder treatment options, Focus Integrative Centers can help.

Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, we’re well-prepared to help you identify the reasons behind your eating disorder while you work on healing mind, body, and spirit.

Eating disorder treatment is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, recovery is often the best decision you’ll ever make.

Are eating disorders genetic?