Contemporary thinking about the role of genes and environment in eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To review recent literature documenting how family, twin and molecular genetic studies of eating disorders have revolutionized our conceptualizations of anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

METHODS

We summarized extant literature on genetic epidemiology of eating disorders.

RESULTS

Results of extant studies highlight the underlying biological vulnerabilities associated with these conditions. Genetic research has also opened up new avenues and approaches for exploring how the environment exerts its influence on risk.

CONCLUSIONS

We discuss state-of-the-science findings in the genetics of eating disorders, explore various mechanisms of gene-environment interplay, and discuss implications of this research for science, practice, families and individuals with eating disorders.