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Researchers have identified eight genetic markers correlating the disease, usually called anorexia, with some of the same genetic factors that also influence the risk of psychiatric disorders – such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and anxiety; high physical activity; and metabolic and anthropometric traits, such as a low body mass index (BMI).
"This means that when we think of anorexia nervosa, we must think that it is not only a psychiatric disorder, but also a metabolic disorder," Senior researcher Cynthia Bulik told CNN.
Why is it important? Anorexia is usually treated as a purely psychiatric disorder. This is why treatments are primarily focused on behavioral therapy. With this research, the metabolic components of the disease would be better considered during treatment, which could improve treatment and save lives.
The research could lead to the development of a drug against anorexia
The study is both an advance and a starting point, said Bulik.
Although researchers have now identified the role that metabolism plays in anorexia, they still need to deepen their knowledge of biology to understand what this role consists of and how it influences the risk of anorexia. This involves examining even more DNA – they are targeting 100,000 samples – and associating with neuroscientists and pharmacogeneticists to identify the underlying biological pathways and developmental treatments that actually target the biology of the disease.
At present, Bulik said that there was no medication available to effectively treat anorexia and that she was not convinced that the drugs would be sufficient to they alone. But this could help recovery and reduce mortality.
The team also wants to expand its research on other eating disorders to better understand the genetic landscape of eating disorders as a whole.
In the meantime, Bulik said his team was grateful to all participants who trusted him for their information and blood samples.
"This work pays tribute to their suffering and the desperation of their families to understand and find effective treatments," she said.
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