Gen provokes eating disorder Anorexia can be innate

Predisposition: Anorexia can be innate
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (anorexia nervosa) have increased dramatically in recent years. These are usually triggered by psychological causes - so the widespread assumption. However, researchers have now proved that one can also have a predisposition to it.

Predisposition for eating disorder
There has been a dramatic increase in eating disorders in recent years. Especially more and more girls are affected. Particularly noteworthy here is the eating disorder Anorexia nervosa (AN), also known as anorexia. It is usually assumed that these have psychological causes. However, for the first time it could be proven that one can also have a predisposition to it.

It is usually believed that anorexia is due to mental causes. However, researchers have now found that you can also have a predisposition to do so. (Image: tunedin / fotolia.com)

Certain gene favors anorexia
An international research group led by the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) in Germany managed to identify the gene that favors AN.

According to a statement from the university, the researchers examined data from a total of 3,495 AN patients and discovered the gene on chromosome 12.

"This region has already been linked to type 1 diabetes mellitus and autoimmune diseases," explained Prof. Dr. med. Anke Hinney from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy of the UDE.

Anorexia may be linked to other diseases - such as schizophrenia or neurotizimus: the genes that make it susceptible overlap accordingly.

The new findings were reported in the journal "The American Journal of Psychiatry".

Completely new therapy options
According to the scientists, there was also evidence that there are overlapping mechanisms between AN and different metabolic phenotypes (insulin-glucose metabolism).

"These discoveries can change the understanding of AN so far: A psychiatric disorder with a physiological background opens up completely new and unexpected treatment options," Hinney said.

In addition, the genetic cause could relieve those affected. (Ad)