Eating Disorder Based on Family History
More than half of the risk (56 per cent) for developing anorexia nervosa is based on family history. These results were from a study of 31,000 Swedish twins born between 1935 and 1958.
Here are some warning signs that someone is suffering from anorexia (from ANAD):
1. Weight: 15 % below ideal body weight. Refusal to maintain a normal weight or above normal weight for height and age. Not everyone who is of a low weight is anorexic; it is important to recognize that it is the REFUSAL to maintain a normal weight that is the key factor.
2. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even if underweight.
3. Body Image Problems
4. Ammenorrhea or Absence of Menstruation
Knowing that a specific disease or disorder may be due to family history could signal people to keep a closer watch on their own health as well as the health of their loved ones. ANAD has a self-evaluation quiz that may be helpful.
Reuters, March 6, 2006
Technorati Tags: anorexia, genetics, eating+disorders, genes, dna, health
Interesting, I have always thought that it is somewhat genetic but I didn’t know that it was a fact.
Jen: It’s hard to find a human trait that isn’t partially influenced by genetics and/or family history (sometimes psychological rater than physiological). When I see these results, though, I wonder if the information is at all useful to the many people affected by the disease.
BTW, thanks for your comment!
I suppose facts and figures help determine the best way for the medical profession to approach research into finding solutions to health problems and diseases.
Simon: Thanks very much. You’re absolutely right. Thanks for being so articulate.
The media may also be a significant influence on eating disorders through its impact on values, norms, and image standards accepted by modern society. Both society’s exposure to media and eating disorders have grown immensely over the past decade. Researchers and clinicians are concerned about the relationship between these two phenomena and finding ways to reduce the negative influence thin-ideal media has on women’s body perception and susceptibility to eating disorders.