The developmental role of metabolism, appetite and growth in eating disorders: exploring novel longitudinal risk pathways

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The Eating Disorders (full and partial syndrome anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder) are life-threatening illnesses that start in adolescence and affect between one and two in ten adolescents and young adults. There is a lack in our understanding of why eating disorders develop, which affects our ability to develop good treatments and adequately prevent eating disorders. This project builds on our preliminary data showing that metabolism and growth might play a role in the development of eating disorders; and aims to understand if metabolic function, appetite and growth factors precede onset of eating disorders. We also aim to explore whether these factors might be related to individuals' genetic make up, using novel methodologies and based on novel genetic findings. This study will be based on data from the Avon Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), and well-known and unique longitudinal study based in the UK. This study will be fundamental in providing us with an understanding of novel risk mechanisms for adolescent and young adult eating disorders that can be further investigated in larger and more detailed studies following this project.