Scientists identify DNA regions tied to binge eating, including one near a well-known obesity gene
Binge eating and anorexia are genetically linked to opposite ends of the body weight spectrum, but a study of more than 1.2 million people found both share genetic ties to depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Scientists have identified DNA regions associated with binge-eating behavior and anorexia nervosa, uncovering genetic ties to other psychiatric conditions. The study, published in Nature Mental Health, extends research on eating disorder genetics beyond anorexia, focusing on binge eating. Anorexia nervosa involves an intense fear of gaining weight and severely restricted food intake, while binge eating entails episodes of consuming large quantities of food without subsequent purging.
The research, led by scientists from Karolinska Institutet, King’s College London, and King’s College London, involved analyzing data from 27 studies, including past findings of eight genetic regions linked to anorexia. Six new regions were identified for binge eating, including one near FTO, a gene linked to obesity. The study also found that binge eating and anorexia share a genetic correlation of 0.46, indicating some shared genetic influences.
Written by urgent.news from PsyPost's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
