Differences in genetic and environmental influences on body weight and shape concerns across pubertal development in females.

ABSTRACT: The heritability of disordered eating increases during puberty; however, prior studies have largely examined a composite score of disordered eating, rather than specific symptoms. Body weight and shape concerns cut across all eating disorder diagnoses and are some of the strongest prospective risk factors for the development of eating disorders. Yet, little is known about potential developmental increases or decreases in genetic and environmental influences for these key symptoms. This study examined differences in genetic and environmental effects on a range of body weight and shape concerns during puberty and compared results to findings for overall levels of disordered eating symptoms. Participants were 926 same-sex female twins (ages 8-16) from the Michigan State University Twin Regist

SUBMITTER: O'Connor SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7099836 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature