Anorexia may not be just a psychiatric condition

The hallmarks of anorexia include an extreme fear of gaining weight, maintaining an abnormally and unhealthy low body weight and having a distorted perception of their bodies.  Anorexics see themselves as being overweight despite all evidence to the contrary.  Thought primarily to be a psychiatric condition associated with low levels of serotonin, the body’s naturally-occurring anti-depressant, anorexia may have a genetic component.  A gene that might be responsible for the disabling condition was found on a chromosome that’s involved with metabolism.  More investigation is called for, but if this gene has a powerful influence over metabolism and the perception of body image, interventions other than therapy and psychiatric medications may reduce suffering and death.  Keep watching for the latest news on anorexia.

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