Print: Genetic Factors causing Eating Disorders

Genetic Factors causing Eating Disorders

Written by: Gunborg Palme, certified psychologist and certified psychotherapist, teacher and tutor in psychotherapy.

First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 05 Aug 2008.

Abstract:
The same genetic factors which predispose addictive disorders such as alcoholism and drug addiction, also increase the risk of eating disorders.

Question:

Are eating disorders inherited diseases?

Answer:

The same genetic factors which predispose addictive disorders such as alcoholism and drug addiction, also increase the risk of eating disorders. This is a consequence of the fact that both excessive eating and fasting stimulate the reward centre in the brain in the same way as drugs do.

If one identical twin has an eating disorder, the probability that the other twin will get an eating disorder is increased.

Personality traits which increase the risk of overweight are also partly hereditary. More.

More Information

Overview of causes of eating disorders Do fat people eat more? Predisposing factors of eating disorders Initiating factors for eating disorders How eating disorders start 1 How eating disorders start 2 Learning to eat well or not well Dieting/slimming can cause eating disorders Lack of self-esteem can cause eating disorders Personality which can cause eating disorders Childhood trauma can cause eating disorders Addiction to drugs and eating are similar The vicious circle of bulimia How your body regulates your weight Feeling tired can cause compulsive eating attacks Family causes of eating disorders More articles about causes of eating disorders

Sources, references: http://web4health.info/en/answers/source/ed-causes-genetics.htm



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