by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough
The question is often asked -- could there be a gene for anorexia? Can it run in families?
Certainly the numbers are startling -- anorexia nervosa attacks more than one out of every 100 women. Teens and young adults are most vulnerable. There is no doubt there is a strong psychological component associated with the condition. After all, the major problem associated with anorexia is a distorted body image. A person with anorexia often thinks they are overweight despite being thin, sometimes dramatically underweight.
There is also no doubt that outside pressures like those from the media play a role, but what about a gene associated with the condition? A Swedish study of 30,000 twins is the most complete to date. Their work suggests there is a link and anxiety or depression early in life could be a tip that the problem might occur. The overall belief is that certain people are at greater risk and environment then contributes.
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