Karolinska Institute study links eating disorders to complex biology

A large-scale genetic study conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institute suggests that eating disorders, specifically anorexia and binge eating, are driven by complex biological mechanisms that extend beyond body weight or BMI.

Published in the journal Nature Mental Health, the research analyzed genetic data from approximately 25,000 individuals with anorexia and 40,000 with binge eating behaviors, comparing them against a control group of over 1.2 million people. The findings indicate that these conditions involve biological links that cannot be understood solely through the lens of weight or body image.

Eating disorders affect millions globally, with a high prevalence in high-income regions such as Western Europe. Researchers estimate that approximately 95% of new cases emerge by the age of 25, highlighting the necessity of early identification of risk factors.