Nature, nurture or something else entirely? Landmark study links eating disorders to genetics

For Christchurch woman Sarah (not her real name) an eating disorder robbed her teenage years of joy and energy. 

“I was so malnourished, so all day-to-day activities like walking, and thinking became very very difficult. I could not walk up stairs at school, focus in class or speak to people with full attention.”

During her eating disorder period, she was constantly exercising, trying to reserve what little energy she had for that. “I would always be on the verge of passing out and would not be able to stand.”

It took years for her to come to terms with her anorexia, and to seek help. She is now in recovery, but said that research which came out this month linking eating disorders to genetics could’ve helped to reduce her shame, and to better understand her illness.

The landmark study was a global partnership, led by UK journal Nature Mental Health, and included New Zealand researchers, as well as Kiwi participants.

Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine’s Professor Martin Kennedy, based at the University of Otago in Christchurch, was part of the international research team.

Over 4000 kiwis with an eating disorder contributed to the study, which involved saliva kit samples taken primarily from people suffering from binge-eating, and anorexia nervosa disorders. 

Kennedy said he was very pleased with the outcome, which comes after a grueling 10 years of research.

“It’s a bit like climbing a mountain very slowly.”

It involved over 200 authors, from 150 different institutions in 22 different countries. Over 1 million participants took part. 

During a recent live break on The Edge radio station, announcer Meg Mansell spoke about the impact her own eating disorder had on her life, and how out of control she felt. 

“It’s something that I’ve learnt how to live with… But I will struggle for the rest of my life when it comes to control, eating and shame.”

Mansell hoped this research would help people understand the complexities of eating disorders.

According to residential treatment facility Recovered Living NZ, over 100,000 New Zealanders have an eating disorder, with 10 per cent of sufferers dying within 10 years. 

Chairperson Rāwā Karetai-Wood-Bodley said that for those working in eating disorder recovery, knowing that biology plays a significant role has never been in doubt.

"We see it in the people we work alongside every single day. What this research does is give that understanding rigorous scientific backing, and that changes things in important ways.” 

The research aids in the beliefs already held by the organisation.

“The people who come to us at RLNZ are not struggling because of vanity, or poor choices, or weak willpower. They are living with serious, complex conditions that have biological roots, and they deserve care that reflects that understanding.”

Kennedy hoped his research findings will not only help with further understanding of eating disorders, but also aid in the next generation of research.

“This research is fleshing out the genetic and biological underpinnings of eating disorders and will create new opportunities for improved treatment and ideally prevention.”

Kennedy was excited for the research to continue, with the next study involving over 4000 Kiwis who took part in this landmark study set to get underway this year.

“Watch this space.”

 

Where to get help:

• Eating Disorder Association of NZ: https://www.ed.org.nz/ 

• NZ Mental Health Foundation: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/explore-mental-health-wellbeing/mental-health-conditions/eating-disorders/ 

• Lifeline: 0800 543 345 

Call or text: 1737

• Youthline: 0800 376 633 

• Healthline: 0800 611 116

• Wharaurau: https://www.wharaurau.org.nz/all-resources/resources-for-eating-disorders-and-eating-issues