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Protective and risk factors for eating disorders: protocol for a prospective cohort study of children at familial

Mie Sedoc Jørgensen1, Amalie Schousboe1, Edoardo Pappaianni1

  • 1Center for Eating and feeding Disorders Research (CEDaR), Psychiatric Center Ballerup, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region, Ballerup, Denmark.

BMJ Open
|November 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The BLOOM study investigates genetic and environmental factors contributing to eating disorders (EDs) in children at familial high risk (FHR). This research aims to identify early risk markers and inform targeted prevention strategies for EDs.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Genetics
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Eating disorders (EDs) have complex etiologies involving genetic and environmental factors.
  • Children at familial high risk (FHR) for EDs have an elevated risk but most remain unaffected.
  • Identifying specific risk and protective pathways is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify biological, neurocognitive, and psychosocial risk and protective pathways to EDs in FHR children.
  • To discover trait markers for EDs.
  • To inform targeted preventive interventions and mitigate genetic risk.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study enrolling 510 children (8-10 years old), with 360 FHR and 150 controls.
  • Data collection includes body composition scans, genotyping, neurocognitive tests, questionnaires, and diagnostic interviews.
  • Optional data includes blood/stool samples and brain MRI; caregiver data on family functioning and mental health.

Main Results:

  • This section is not yet available as the study is ongoing.
  • The study is designed to yield significant data on ED risk factors.
  • Anticipated results will illuminate pathways to EDs in at-risk youth.

Conclusions:

  • The BLOOM study will provide critical insights into the multifactorial nature of EDs.
  • Findings are expected to enhance early identification and prevention of EDs in children.
  • This research will contribute to understanding how to mitigate genetic predispositions to EDs.
Abstract

Keywords:
Child & adolescent psychiatryCognitionEating disordersFamilyPSYCHIATRY

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