Epigenetics and anorexia: doubts about common scientific assumptions!

Epigenetics and anorexia: doubts about common scientific assumptions!

On September 26, 2025, a significant study by the Institute for Gender-Sensitive Medicine was carried out University of Duisburg-Essen published, which provides new insights into the role of epigenetic mechanisms in anorexia nervosa. The inNature Scientific ReportsPublished research examines how weight gain during inpatient therapy affects DNA methylation, a process that influences gene regulation without changing the DNA sequence itself.

The results of the study are surprising and contradict the common assumption that weight gain has direct epigenetic effects. Despite significant weight gain in patients during therapy, the scientists were unable to detect any lasting and consistent changes in DNA methylation patterns. This represents an important point in research on anorexia nervosa, a serious mental illness characterized by restrictive eating behavior and involving numerous biological, psychological and social factors.

Results of the study

The study, led by Dr. Luisa Rajcsanyi and Dr. Miriam Kesselmeier, underlines the inter-individual differences between the patients examined. No relevant changes in DNA methylation between admission and discharge were found in a cohort of 189 affected people and 67 controls. These results suggest that DNA methylation may not play a central role in the regulation of body weight on a short-term basis.

What is particularly noteworthy is that in three patients the methylation patterns remained stable, even with significant weight gain. The scientists emphasize that there may be subtle changes that could not be detected with the methods currently used, or that epigenetic effects only become visible in the long term.

Complexity of anorexia nervosa

This study also highlights the challenging complexity of anorexia nervosa. Despite the strong focus on epigenetic processes, the interplay between biological, psychological and social factors is still largely unclear. Epigenetics itself is considered a dynamic field that can be significantly influenced by environmental factors such as diet and stress.

A key factor in this discussion is the NR1H3 gene, which has so far provided contradictory findings. The focus on this gene and the fact that DNA methylation patterns can vary depending on cell type shows the importance of context-sensitive research. Different tissue types could yield different results, further highlighting the limitations of previous epigenetic studies in this area.

The study and its results make it clear that the current state of epigenetic research on anorexia nervosa is still in its infancy. The findings from the University of Duisburg-Essen, as well as the final finding that there are significant individual differences in methylation, open up new questions and fields of research. Scientists are therefore calling for a deeper examination of this topic in order to improve understanding of this serious disease.

Given the importance of such research, it is crucial that further studies are conducted to better understand the mechanisms behind anorexia nervosa and to develop effective treatment approaches. Given the psychological, biological and social dimensions of this disease, the question of the role of epigenetics remains one of the most exciting aspects in current research.

The MedLabPortal has also expressed doubts about the role of epigenetic processes in anorexia nervosa, further underscoring the relevance and urgency of this discussion.