How often do we hear that eating distress/eating disorders (ED) have a genetic basis?
Over the past few decades, we’ve seen numerous studies suggesting that ED could be linked to genetics.
Many families attending our parental coaching sessions have been asking whether eating distress/disorders are genetic or not. We see headlines such as Eating Disorders: A Genetic Illness. As someone who has worked in this field for over three decades, we have yet to see substantial benefits come from these genetic studies. Working directly with people recovering from ED condition and their families, we see that knowing whether an eating distress/disorder is genetic or not does little to speed up the recovery process. In fact, the focus on genetics can sometimes detract from what’s truly helpful: practical tools for healing.
The idea that ED is genetic can make interesting headlines, but easily lead to a feeling of helplessness, as though it’s something predestined or unchangeable.
And for someone in recovery or supporting a loved one through recovery, that sense of powerlessness is the last thing they need.
In contrast to the deterministic view of genetics, the field of epigenetics presents a much more hopeful and empowering perspective.
You can read the full article exploring this topic in more detail here.
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