Genetic Predisposition for Alcoholism and Disordered Eating Linked

Munn-Chernoff and colleagues recently published a study demonstrating a link between the genes underlying a heritable predisposition toward alcohol dependence and binge-purge eating forms of eating disorders.

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Previous studies have demonstrated that eating disorders and alcoholism often co-occur in individuals. This study built upon previous research by utilizing a a sample of nearly 6,000 identical and fraternal twins who have been studied since 1981. In addition to using an absolutely larger sample, the study also incorporated results from males, while many studies of eating disorder and alcoholism comorbidity only sample females. Further, this study distinguishes between the binge-purge (termed "binge eating with compensatory behaviors") form of eating disorders, and the fasting form (e.g. anorexia nervosa).

The researchers found significant genetic correlation between binge-purge eating disorders and alcohol dependence in both men and women. While the exact genes involved have not yet been identified, Munn-Chernoff and colleagues presented a model for this linkage.

Read more at Science Daily.