Genes Play Key Role in Eating Disorders | Auckland News

Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 25, 2026 · 1m

Scientists have cracked a major genetic code behind eating disorders for the first time, revealing that anorexia nervosa and binge-eating are influenced by dozens of genes—not just one. After nearly a decade of global research involving tens of thousands of participants, the study proves these conditions are highly heritable, challenging the myth that they’re purely psychological. While environment still plays a key role, this breakthrough opens doors to smarter treatments, earlier interventions, and crucially, helps reduce stigma by showing eating disorders are biological, not a choice…