SUMMARY: Identification of genetic variants associated with anorexia nervosa are also linked to a low body-mass index.
DESCRIPTION: Anorexia nervosa is a common eating disorder characterized by weight loss or the inability to maintain a healthy body weight. Many individuals with this condition have a distorted body image of themselves. Few genetic variants correlated with a predisposition to anorexia have been identified. This study examined 72,517 individuals of European ancestry from 17 countries in order to find genetic variants associated with anorexia. Most of the identified variants were also found to be linked to a low body-mass index, sensitivity to insulin, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the “good” form of cholesterol).
DID YOU KNOW? Minimizing social pressures to be thin and developing ways to cope with low self-esteem or perfectionism may prevent an eating disorder from occurring. If an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa has already developed, early detection and intervention are crucial to reduce its severity. [SOURCE]
SAMPLE RESULTS: Learn more about the Nebula Research Library.
ANOREXIA-ASSOCIATED VARIANTS: rs9821797, rs6589488, rs2287348, rs2008387, rs9874207, rs10747478, rs370838138, rs13100344
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Overview of Anorexia Nervosa
BMI
WEEKLY UPDATE: July 26, 2019
