Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian et al. - Eating disorders may be genetic

In a new study, researchers have uncovered fresh evidence of a genetic predisposition to eating disorders that is passed on from mothers to daughters.

Professor Howard Steiger from McGill University, Montreal revealed the discovery in epigenetics last week, which explains how adverse development can cause mental health problems.

“The science of epigenetics is relatively new. Epigenetics helps explain how adverse development, stress, malnutrition and other influences can affect development of mental-health problems - including eating disorders,” the Age quoted Professor Steiger as telling the National Eating Disorders Collaboration National Workshop.