Anorexia nervosa is one of the most commonly known eating disorders. People who live with anorexia try to keep their body weight as low as possible, often through extreme methods such as severely limiting food intake, purging, or exercising excessively. The causes of anorexia are complex, and research shows that genetics play a major role.

What Is Anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which someone intentionally keeps their body weight far below the healthy range. Individuals with anorexia usually have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as overweight or “fat” even though they are already severely underweight.

To maintain this seriously low weight state, anorexic individuals may resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as exercising excessively, using laxatives, eating only in very small portions, or making themselves vomit after eating.

If this condition is not treated, it can lead to serious consequences, including nutrient deficiencies, extreme weight loss, and significant changes in brain function as well as overall body health.

Genetic Factors in Anorexia

Anorexia is a complex eating disorder. In the past, it was often viewed purely as a psychological problem and linked to “fussy” or highly controlled eating habits aimed at achieving a certain appearance.

Over time, scientific studies have shown that anorexia develops through a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The disorder is strongly associated with other mental health conditions and is greatly shaped by hereditary factors.

One study found that people with anorexia have changes in specific chromosome regions that help control appetite, sensation of fullness, mood, depression, and anxiety. If these genes are affected, a person may develop eating disorders, such as feeling hungry but having no desire to eat, or struggling to finish meals even when food is right in front of them.

Other research has shown that gene mutations linked to anorexia can run in families. One study reported that first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) of someone with anorexia nervosa may have up to a tenfold higher risk of developing the condition compared with people who do not have this family connection.

Twins who come from the same egg and sperm (identical twins) are also more likely to share an anorexia diagnosis than non-identical twins. Even so, this does not mean that all twins will develop anorexia if their sibling does, because environmental influences still play a large role in determining who actually becomes ill.

Environmental Factors Also Play a Role

Although genetics have a strong impact, they are not the only factor behind eating disorders. Experts believe that eating disorders usually arise from a mixture of influences, including environmental conditions and specific triggering events.

Triggers such as traumatic experiences are thought to activate an underlying predisposition to eating disorders. Genetic factors may also shape how a person responds to stress or pressure. For example:

• Someone who is genetically vulnerable to eating disorders may be more sensitive to teasing comments or negative remarks about their body weight.

• A person with a genetic predisposition might continue restrictive dieting for much longer than friends or peers, even after others have stopped.

Can Anorexia Be Prevented?

At this time, it is still unclear whether anorexia can be completely prevented. However, recognizing its risk factors may help reduce the risks of severe symptoms or allow for early intervention. If you have a family history of anorexia, it is important to stay alert to early warning signs and seek professional help as soon as they appear.

Some warning symptoms that need attention include:

• Sudden or frequent mood changes

• Noticeable changes in eating habits

• Persistent negative thoughts about body shape or weight

• Significant or rapid weight loss

• Very intense or excessive exercise routines

• Alcohol or drug use or misuse

Anorexia is an eating disorder that can lead to nutritional deficiencies, psychological distress, and many other health complications. If you have questions about eating disorders, you can talk to a doctor or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which is available on the App Store and Play Store.

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