Scientists Discover Gene Mutation Linked to Risk of Eating Disorders

Two gene mutations that appear to be associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders have been identified by scientists.

Key to developing that research, led by the University of Iowa's Michael Lutter, was the participation of eating-disorders facilities including NRI, which has provided long-term support in the form of critical-and anonymized- information about folks suffering from eating disorders.

Sleep Eating Disorders Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment
Sleep-related eating disorders are abnormal eating behaviors that occur during night. Sleep related eating disorder is a part of parasomnias.

According to university of North Dakota physician and researcher James Mitchell, the new study suggests a new strategy to understand, and eventually may lead to innovative treatments for eating disorders.

"We have participated in the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium for several years. That group is now pooling the DNA we collected with samples from other groups that have formed an international collaborative to increase power for genome-wide association studies," Mitchell said.

Mitchell said the recently published research about the genetic links in eating disorders is "exciting and promising."

Anorexia Nervosa - Types Complications Causes Treatment FAQs
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder most commonly found among teenage girls. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a very low body weight, generally defined as 15% below the Body Mass Index.

Mitchell and his team were part of a group of respected clinicians and scientists collaborating on a research papers in a series of so-called Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) studies, including Teen LABS.

Source-ANI

Quiz on Anorexia / Bulimia
Anorexia Nervosa – is it a psychological disorder , or simply an eating disorder gotten out of hand? And how does it differ from Bulimia Nervosa? Participate in our anorexia quiz to find out how well you understand this condition; learn its modern-day implications and how, in these mordern times, it affects both sexes equally .

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