EDGI

Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative

The ground-breaking Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) is the largest global research study on the genetics of eating disorders ever conducted. EDGI aims to identify the hundreds of genes that influence a person’s risk of developing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, to improve treatment, and ultimately save lives.

Although social and cultural factors play a role, recent genetic research reveals a substantial genetic influence on eating disorders. In fact, genetics account for 40-60 percent of the variability in eating disorders, leaving the remaining variability to be influenced by environmental factors.

The social stigma and perception that eating disorders are a ‘choice’ pose significant barriers to support-seeking among individuals with eating disorders. EDGI, offers us a unique opportunity to further investigate the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to eating disorders, in order to improve diagnosis, management, and treatment.

Cracking the genetic code of eating disorders will open the floodgates to much-needed research, and the development of new, and more effective, personalized treatments for these devastating illnesses.

The National Institute of Mental Health has funded EDGI in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark. Sites in the United Kingdom and Sweden have independent funding, and more countries are joining the EDGI effort every day.