EATING DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK
Every year during Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I find myself having the same conversations with patients and families.
A parent quietly asks, “Did we cause this?”
A patient says, “I don’t understand why I can’t just stop.”
As Eating Disorder Awareness Week ends, our team has been reflecting on how much our understanding of eating disorders has evolved, and how important that shift is for patients and families.
Recently, my intern Madeline and I reviewed a new scientific publication exploring the genetics of anorexia nervosa. One message stood out clearly:
Eating disorders are not choices, and they are not caused by bad parenting or lack of willpower.
Researchers now understand that anorexia nervosa is influenced by many genes working together, alongside life experiences, stress, personality traits, and societal pressures. There is no single “eating disorder gene,” and genetics do not determine destiny. But they do help explain why some individuals are more vulnerable than others.
For many families, this knowledge brings enormous relief.
For many families, this understanding is incredibly relieving.
Parents often ask, “What did we do wrong?”
Patients often wonder, “Why can’t I just stop?”
Eating disorders are serious medical and mental health conditions, not failures of willpower.
Science helps us answer both questions with compassion: this is a complex medical and mental health illness, not a personal failure.
As a Registered Dietitian, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Intuitive Eating Counselor, this research feels deeply personal to me. Over years of practice, I’ve seen how powerful early intervention can be. The earlier we recognize disordered eating patterns, before they become deeply learned and biologically reinforced behaviors, the more recovery we tend to see.
When support begins early, healing happens faster. Brains are more flexible. Habits are less entrenched. Hope feels closer.
This is why awareness matters.
Genetics also helps reduce shame. Many individuals carry genetic susceptibility but never develop an eating disorder, while others may develop symptoms when vulnerability meets stress or environmental pressures. Understanding this helps shift blame away from individuals and families and toward what truly helps: skilled treatment, nourishment, and support.
What this new science tells us is not that recovery is harder, but that people deserve compassionate, medically informed care sooner.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know:
- You did not cause this.
- Your family did not cause this.
- And recovery is absolutely possible.
Awareness leads to earlier care. Earlier care leads to better outcomes. And better outcomes change lives. You can read and learn more on this website about the starved brain and eating disorders and the brain.
Warmly,
Maddy
with Madeline, Nutrition Intern
Reference
Xu, J., Ingudesman, D., Huckins, L. M., & Bulik, C. M. (2025). Genetics of anorexia nervosa: Translation to future personalized therapies. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 48(3), 293–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2025.01.007
