For years experts believed that anorexia and bulimia were not linked to genetics but developed solely by environmental influences. In a study done by Kelly Klump, she discovered that the heritability of eating disorder symptoms increases during puberty. It seems as though heritability influences disordered eating most when estrogen levels are highest.
In a new study, experts plan to conduct the largest ever study for the disorder, over 4,000 females with anorexia and 4,000 controls will be involved. Researchers hope that this study will show the biology underlying the illness, in this way experts can begin developing biological interventions.
This article from Monitor had a lot of information on new research being done, mainly to discover the causes of eating disorders, in order to form preventative solutions. However, it doesn't seem as though the studies being done can back up the bold statements in the article. A big point of discussion is that eating disorders can be partially genetic, but I don't understand how the study backs that up. At another point in the article a study showing the activation of rewward regions in the brain after tasting chocolate milk is mentioned. The researcher is quoted as saying "What I think we're learning is that if children are exposed to a high-fat, high-sugar diet early in development, they develop a strong preference for and craving for these foods that doesn't otherwise emerge, and that this is what sets people up for bulimia," I don't understand how he has come to this conclusion based on the description of the study documented in the article.
I feel that people are still very lost when it comes to eating disorders, a lot of research needs to bed done, and I think it is being done based on the article. But conclusions cannot be made until the research is complete.
1 comment:
I'm very happy that such a large study is being done on the topic of eating disorders. I agree with the author of the post that most people assume that it is vain, model types who end up with eating disorders. Having known someone with a eating disorder personally, I can say that that is untrue. My friend was not vain and I don't know if she had a high-fat, high sugar diet early in life, but she did have a problem. She sought and received help through therapy and though I am sure she will never be 100 rid of her anorexia, she has become a much healthier person.
Not only am I glad that the study is being done to help those with the illnesses, but it will also help raise awareness to the public. I recently heard of a billboard by a fashion company that showed an anorexic woman that was debuted as the start of a fashion week approached. This along with other things that some of the fashion industry is doing (like banning models with BMIs less than 18) hopefully will educated and promote a healthier lifestyle.
http://style.popcrunch.com/italian-designer-nolita-no-anorexia-ad/
Post a Comment