Metabolism found to play role in anorexia

New research has identified the first genetic markers of anorexia, indicating metabolism has a role to play in the condition

Patients with anorexia nervosa are likely to have a genetic predisposition to the condition which is both metabolic and psychiatric, researchers say.

An international genome-wide association study, recently published in Nature Genetics, found patients with a history of anorexia had a significant prevalence of eight genetic markers, some of which changed the way their body was able to metabolise fats and carbohydrates.

The other genomic markers of significance were consistent with those found among patients with depression, and with psychiatric conditions such as bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia.

The study examined the DNA of more than 16,000 patients with anorexia and more than 55,000 control participants. The team analysed the genome of both groups using microarray (gene chips).

“Our results encourage consideration of both metabolic and psychological drivers of anorexia nervosa when exploring new avenues for treating this frequently lethal illness,” the study authors said.

Professor Nicholas Martin, study co-author and QIMR Berghofer senior scientist, said it was surprising to find metabolic indications for anorexia, a condition which was once thought to be solely a mental health condition.

“This is going to lead to a re-orientation of research on anorexia to start looking at the metabolism of people who have this condition,” he said.

The knowledge of genetic factors in anorexia could help identify people at risk and provide time to correct unhealthy eating habits before they become problematic. 

In addition, the study authors said identifying a genetic origin of the condition might reduce the stigma of patients feeling responsible for their condition.

“A lot of people who have this condition feel guilty and inadequate and their family members often feel they are to blame,” Professor Martin said.

The authors hope the research will lead to specific pharmaceutical treatments for anorexia patients, who currently rely on taking medication for depression and other mental health conditions.

But Professor Martin said more research was needed to find other genes linked to the condition before specialised treatment could be developed.

“We’ve got the first eight genes, but we know there are hundreds more genes to find and we can only do that by broadening the study and recruiting more participants,” he said.

QIMR Berghofer is looking to recruit more patients with eating disorders for this study. GPs or patients can visit edgi.qimr.edu.au or call 1800257179 for more information.

Nature Genetics, 15 July