An investigation of the aetiology of eating disorders: interactions between genes and environmental risk factors. [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Tracey Wade (Principal investigator)

Brief description Eating disorders, along with substance abuse, carry the highest risk of premature death, from both natural and unnatural causes, out of 27 mental disorder categories. Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, affect about 6% of Australian women. Despite increased levels of research into the aetiology of eating disorders over the last 20 years, little knowledge exists as to which risk factors cause women to attempt weight loss to the point of increasing their risk of premature mortality. A review of twin studies in eating disorders concludes that there is increasing evidence to suggest that genetic factors play a role in the development of eating disorders. In addition, a recent series of studies, examining risk factors before the age of eating disorder onset, have found the following events to specifically predict the development of an eating disorder as opposed to another psychiatric condition: negative self-evaluation, parental alcoholism, low parental contact and high parental expectations, critical comments about weight, shape or eating during childhood, and childhood obesity. To date, no studies have attempted to integrate the findings from twin studies with the findings from early risk factor studies. Specifically, the ways in which genes interact with the environment to increase the chances of genetic vulnerability to an eating disorder being expressed have not been examined. The proposed project seeks to investigate precisely these interactions between genes and the environment, by examining a large number of female twins, aged 29-37. An enhanced understanding of how genes interact with the environment to either increase the chances that a woman will develop an eating disorder, or alternatively to protect a woman from developing an eating disorder, will benefit our understanding of how to target prevention and treatment strategies.

Funding Amount $AUD 225,000.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes New Investigator Grant