Does anorexia run in families

Answer 1

Eating disorders aren't genetic. But, if you do have a family member who has or had an eating disorder, it is more likely that you will develop their habits later on in life. This doesn't mean you will automatically have an eating disorder, it just means that because you are used to their way of eating, it may be thought of as "the norm" so you might pick up on it more.

Answer 2

Eating disorders are based 100% on the environment, they are mental disorders based only on an individuals choice to either discontinue eating for long periods of time, or intentionally induce vomitting after eating. The media and social relations are major reasons for the development of these disorders.

Answer 3

No, but it is believed that eating disorders can "run" in families. This is supported by the idea that bad eating habits or body images are passed on from one person to another, not by an actual genetic link.

Comment: I agree with the above answer. All I want to add is that inasmuch as personality traits can be inherited, these traits (anxiety, intelligence, etc) may form a link to anorexia.

Answer 4

There is no definitie genetic link that confirms that anorexia is inherited. There are theories that it could be an inherited trait. Other theories propose that a likelihood may be inherited (that is, a person may be more likely than someone else to develop an eating disorder based on a predisposition to other factor-causes like depression or BDD). Many medical professionals believe that it is a "learned" behaviour. That is, people with family members who suffer from anorexia may themselves develop anorexia not because of genetics but because they copy habits or actions of family members.

Answer 5

There are studies to show that it can run in families but in most cases this is not the case.