Investigating the genetics of eating disorders
Official title: 2/3 Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative 2
Funded at Queensland Institute of Medical Research · NIH-11084539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might play a role in different eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, and it's inviting 20,000 people, especially from diverse backgrounds, to help by sharing their genetic information and experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Queensland Institute of Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Herston, Australia) |
| Project start | May 6, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $426,485 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136157-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084539 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eating disorders who are not willing to participate in genetic sampling or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the genetic factors associated with various eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. By recruiting 20,000 participants, including individuals from underrepresented communities, the study will collect genetic samples and detailed behavioral data to better understand the biological underpinnings of these conditions. The research employs advanced statistical genetic analyses to identify genetic variations that may contribute to the development and severity of eating disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from eating disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives in this area, such as the original Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative, have shown success in advancing our understanding of the genetics of eating disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Herston, Australia Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Nicholas G — Queensland Institute of Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Martin, Nicholas G
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Global brain imaging study to understand anorexia in teens and how it affects outcomes
A large international study using brain scans to learn why anorexia nervosa develops, how it affects teens, and what predicts recovery or relapse.
-
Anxiety and body-sense as a warning for eating disorders in kids
This project looks at whether anxiety and how kids sense their internal body signals can signal the kind of eating problems that lead to eating disorders in children and teens.
-
FlexED: a fun digital program to help teens with eating concerns
A teen-friendly digital program uses gamification and acceptance-based techniques to help 15-year-olds manage body image and related eating concerns earlier, before patterns become hard to change.
-
3-D bedside scanning to track malnutrition in anorexia nervosa
A bedside 3D optical scan method will help track malnutrition in adolescents with anorexia nervosa during hospitalization.
-
Reducing minority stress to help sexual minority adults with eating disorders
This project tests a new, identity-affirming treatment approach designed to help sexual minority adults with eating disorders by addressing stigma-related stress and coping skills.
-
Restrictive eating disorders and brain white matter development in youths
Researchers will study how restrictive eating disorders affect brain white matter development in young people using brain scans and related data.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.