Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
04:19
A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Puberty moderates genetic influences on disordered eating
Kelly L Klump1, Patrick S Perkins, S Alexandra Burt
1Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1116, USA. klump@msu.edu
Psychological Medicine
|March 6, 2007
Summary
Puberty increases genetic influences on disordered eating in girls. This suggests that hormonal changes during puberty may activate genes related to disordered eating behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Adolescent psychology
- Developmental neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research indicates a potential increase in genetic influences on disordered eating during puberty.
- Earlier studies could not directly test if pubertal development moderates these genetic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly investigate whether pubertal development moderates genetic influences on disordered eating.
- To examine the hypothesis of pubertal activation of genetic predispositions for disordered eating.
Main Methods:
- Study included 510 female adolescent twins from the Minnesota Twin Family Study.
- Disordered eating was assessed using the Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey (MEBS) Total Score.
- Pubertal status was measured using the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS).
Main Results:
- Model-fitting confirmed a significant increase in genetic influence on disordered eating as pubertal development advanced.
- Results support the hypothesis that genetic factors become more prominent with progressing puberty.
Conclusions:
- Pubertal development plays a crucial role in the expression of genes associated with disordered eating.
- These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between genetic vulnerability and developmental stage in disordered eating etiology.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:27Signs of Puberty
Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
01:23Binge Eating Disorders
Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
01:18Polygenic Traits
When more than one gene is responsible for a given phenotype, the trait is considered polygenic. Human height is a polygenic trait. Studies have uncovered hundreds of loci that influence height, and there are believed to be many more. Due to the high number of genes involved, as well as environmental and nutritional factors, height varies significantly within a given population. The distribution of height forms a bell-shaped curve, with relatively few individuals in the population at the...