Research suggests large genetic pre-disposition for anorexia

[katelemon]

I was reading the newspaper and came across this article

How biology trumps image as cause of anorexia
Scientists now believe genes account for up to 70 per cent of risk of developing the disease
April 13, 2008

Comments

[neurotic_orchid]

While I can see how many of the personality traits of people with anorexia may have a genetic component, I think it's risky and inaccurate to discount societal influences on the disorder. Afterall, anorexia is NOT universal. There are many Eastern cultures in which it has never existed, and to me, that is of major importance when we look into causal factors.

[katelemon]

I agree with you for the most part, but what about the fact that it's been around for hundreds of years

[neurotic_orchid]

All of that still sounds culturally specific to me. It may not be the same sort of images infiltrating modern Western society, but it is still cultural in nature, not strictly biological or spontaneous.

[awastedsky]

First of all, they're not discounting societal influences - that is stated repeatedly in the article. It NEVER says ANYTHING about it being 'strictly biological,' and definitely not spontaneous. And secondly, there are enough cultures that have been affected in line with how common anorexia is to suggest that it's fairly universal. Comparatively, not every social circle in the United States has a member suffering from anorexia, because it is not THAT common. However, there is enough of it dispersed around the world to suggest that it isn't culturally specific.

[luroreid]

Great post! I wish you could follow up on this topic!

[nolaexowe]

Great post! I want to see a follow up to this topic