Genome-wide association studies of binge-eating behaviour and anorexia nervosa yield insights into the unique and shared biology of eating disorder phenotypes
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Eating disorders (EDs)—including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder—are clinically distinct, but exhibit high symptom overlap and comorbidity. Genomic analyses to date have only examined AN. We conducted the first genome-wide association meta-analysis of binge-eating behaviour (BE; 39,279 cases, 1,227,436 controls, all from European genetic ancestries), alongside new analyses of AN (24,223 cases, 1,243,971 controls, all from European genetic ancestries) and its subtypes. We implicated six genomic loci associated with BE, including known associations with higher body mass index (BMI) and impulse-control behaviours. BE and AN exhibit genetic similarity, including positive genetic correlation with psychiatric disorders, and genetic dissimilarity, including opposing genetic correlations with anthropometric traits. Genomic structural equation modelling analyses indicate that most genetic signal in EDs is independent of BMI. We have extended ED genomics beyond AN; work is underway to diversify further, incorporating multiple diagnoses and global genetic ancestries.
