Eating disorders may be genetic
Anorexia, bulimia
By Lesly Saeger
Daily Staff Writer
ISU professionals said they support a recent study showing that eating disorders may be caused, at least in part, by genetics.
Last month, the American Journal of Medical Genetics published new research on anorexia and bulimia, linking the disorders to other genetic-based traits, such as perfectionism, anxiety, age of first menstrual period, self-doubt and food-related obsessions.
Michelle Roling, coordinator for the Eating Disorders Outreach Team at Student Counseling Services, said she believes there is a strong correlation between genetics and body type. She said, however, genetics are not the only factor behind disorders - the media play a significant role in how people are perceived.
"The media needs to teach us how to accept our body and live healthy," Roling said.
Marc Shulman, staff physician at Thielen Student Health Center, said the relationship between eating disorders and genetics is complex and not absolute. He said although someone could have a close relative with an eating disorder, it does not mean that person will acquire one themselves.
Identifying people who are at risk of eating disorders and helping them avoid negative behavior associated with the disorders are two ways genetic disorders can be controlled, Shulman said.
Despite the new research, current methods used to treat eating disorders that are considered purely psychological could remain effective for treating those disorders with a genetic basis.
Judith Trumpy, dietitian for Student Counseling Services, said a two-prong treatment of medication and counseling would be used to help fight individuals with disorders - this should remain effective even if eating disorders do have a genetic component.
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