Scientists think anorexia has a link with metabolism

The way anorexia is being treated is going to through a ton of changes, thanks to a new study that links the eating disorder to metabolism. Published in the journal, Nate Genetics, the study examined the DNA of approximately 17,000 people with anorexia nervosa and 55,000 healthy subjects.The research team of the study had identified eight genetic markers that correlated the illness to some of the same genetic factors that also influenced the risk for psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety

“It means that when we think about anorexia nervosa we need to be thinking that it is not only a psychiatric disorder but also a metabolic disorder,” lead researcher Cynthia Bulik toldBut why is this considered significant? So far, anorexia, despite being an eating disorder has only been treated as a psychiatric disorder. The treatments for anorexia would involve behavioural therapy. Thanks to the research, attention would now also be given to the metabolic components of the illness while providing a treatment which can help in improving the treatment and eventually saving lives.The study is a breakthrough. But despite this, researchers will need to identify the role of metabolism that plays in anorexia by delving into biology. This would involve examining even more DNA- currently, the research team is aiming for 100,000 samples. For this, they are also partnering with neuroscience and pharmacogenetics to identify the underlying biological pathways and develop treatments that can go to the root of the illness.Currently, the lead researcher, Bulk said there weren’t any medications that could effectively treat anorexia. She also isn’t convinced that medication alone will help in treating it.The team also wants to expand research on other eating disorders to further understand the genetic landscape of eating disorders as a whole.In the meantime, Bulik said the team is grateful to all the participants who trusted the team with their information and blood samples.“This work honors their suffering and their families’ desperation to understand and find effective treatments,” she said.