Eating Disorders and Epigenetics

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Lea Thaler, Howard Steiger

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by intense preoccupation with shape and weight and maladaptive eating practices. The complex of symptoms that characterize EDs often arise through the activation of latent genetic potentials by environmental exposures, and epigenetic mechanisms are believed to link environmental exposures to gene expression. This chapter provides an overview of genetic factors acting in the etiology of EDs. It then provides a background to the hypothesis that epigenetic mechanisms link stresses such as obstetric complications and childhood abuse as well as effects of malnutrition to eating disorders (EDs). The chapter then summarizes the emerging body of literature on epigenetics and EDs-mainly studies on DNA methylation in samples of anorexia and bulimia. The available evidence base suggests that an epigenetically informed perspective contributes in valuable ways to the understanding of why people develop EDs.

Citations

Jan 13, 2018·Nutrients·Marta G Novelle, Carlos Diéguez
Aug 2, 2018·Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD·Fragiskos GonidakisEleftheria Varsou
Sep 9, 2018·The International Journal of Eating Disorders·Christopher HübelCynthia M Bulik
Feb 12, 2019·Molecular Psychiatry·Mari Sild, Linda Booij
Apr 30, 2019·Frontiers in Psychiatry·Alexandra NeyaziHelge Frieling
Apr 30, 2020·Neuropsychiatrie : Klinik, Diagnostik, Therapie und Rehabilitation : Organ der Gesellschaft Österreichischer Nervenärzte und Psychiater·Zaida AgüeraFernando Fernández-Aranda
May 4, 2020·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·Marjorie C Gondré-LewisKenneth Blum
Oct 30, 2020·BMJ : British Medical Journal·Charles A NelsonMuthanna Samara

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