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Age differences in genetic and environmental influences on weight and shape concerns
Kelly L Klump1, S Alexandra Burt, Alexia Spanos
1Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1116, USA. klump@msu.edu
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|December 2, 2009
Summary
Genetic and environmental influences on disordered eating change with age. While shared environment is key in younger girls, genetic factors become more significant in adolescence and adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Disordered eating is influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Developmental shifts in these influences are known, but age differences in weight/shape concerns are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age differences in genetic and environmental influences on weight and shape concerns.
- Examine these differences across preadolescent, adolescent, young adult, and mid-adult female twins.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2,618 female twins aged 10-41 years across three twin registries.
- Assessed weight and shape concerns using the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Genetic influences were modest in preadolescents but significant from adolescence through middle adulthood.
- Shared environmental contributions were highest in the youngest group, decreasing with age.
- Nonshared environmental effects remained stable across all age groups.
Conclusions:
- Age-related differences in genetic and environmental influences on disordered eating are significant.
- Potential mechanisms include gene-environment interactions and developmental biological changes.
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