Eating Disorder Research - A Genetic Initiative

Globally, around 70 million people live with an eating disorder (Galmiche et a, 2018), though it's likely to be more since the numbers were published. Eating disorders are severe psychiatric illnesses affecting men and women of most ages (from as young as 8 to adults over 50), and from all ethnicities and classes (Rikani et al, 2013). Three common EDs are: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and bing-eating disorder (BED), though the most common is other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), which is when an individual's symptoms may not entirely fit the above disorders (NHS, 2021). Whilst the disorders may be psychological, they can result in serious physical health problems, from gastrointestinal issues to heart failure. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. (van Hoeken and Hoek, 2020).

Debate as to what risk factors play the most prominent part in provoking their onset (e.g environmental, societal, biological or circumstantial) has concluded it could be down to one or multiple factors, and much like symptoms the risks vary case by case (Schaumberg et al, 2017). The largest study of eating disorders in the UK is currently being carried out at King's College London, led by NIHR in partnership with Beat (the UK's eating disorder charity). The Eating Disorders Genetic Initiative (EDGI for short) is keen to explore the risk factors associated with eating disorders and what part genetics may play. They are seeking >10,000 participants to take part and you can sign up here.

Once the survey has been filled in you will receive a little pack in the post, including a saliva collection device - this is to collect your DNA sample! In this study, whole DNA sequencing isn't used and the focus is on genotyping. You can read more about the process and the ethical/legal considerations (including what they can and can't do with your DNA sample here. Your sample then needs to be sent back (freepost) and EDGI will contact you to check it's been sent and will confirm once it has been received. (This can take a few weeks.)

The importance of most research is to find answers that leads to effective and efficient management and treatment of illnesses. Your participation can help science progress and get closer to understanding eating disorders - complex and devastating illnesses that are not a choice, but are also not a life sentence. Read more about the benefits of partaking in this particular research here .

For anybody currently struggling with an ED, there is always help available for you. The following UK charities specify in ED support:

ABC

Beat

First Steps

NCFED

Overeaters Anonymous

SEED

For anyone in recovery/who has recovered, - if you would like to share your recovery journey to inspire others, drop me an email rosie@stemandpoise.com

Similarly, if you're a healthcare professional specialising in eating disorder treatment and have any thoughts on this topic you'd like to share, please get in touch!

References

Galmiche, M., Déchelotte, P., Lambert, G. and Tavolacci, M.P., 2019. Prevalence of eating disorders over the 2000–2018 period: a systematic literature review. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 109(5), pp.1402-1413.

Rikani, A.A., Choudhry, Z., Choudhry, A.M., Ikram, H., Asghar, M.W., Kajal, D., Waheed, A. and Mobassarah, N.J., 2013. A critique of the literature on etiology of eating disorders. Annals of neurosciences, 20(4), p.157.

Schaumberg, K., Welch, E., Breithaupt, L., Hübel, C., Baker, J.H., Munn‐Chernoff, M.A., Yilmaz, Z., Ehrlich, S., Mustelin, L., Ghaderi, A. and Hardaway, A.J., 2017. The science behind the academy for eating disorders' nine truths about eating disorders. European Eating Disorders Review, 25(6), pp.432-450.

van Hoeken, D. and Hoek, H.W., 2020. Review of the burden of eating disorders: mortality, disability, costs, quality of life, and family burden. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 33(6), p.521.