Age differences in genetic and environmental influences on weight and shape concerns.
OBJECTIVE
Previous research has shown important developmental shifts ingenetic and environmental influences for disordered eating. However, little research has examined age differences for weight/shape concerns, two key components of eating disorders. The goal of this study was to investigate these age differences in preadolescent, adolescent, young adult, and mid-adult twins.


METHODS
Participants included 2,618 female twins (ages of 10-41 years) from three large twin registries. Shape and weight concerns were assessed with the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire.


RESULTS
Genetic influences were modest in preadolescent twins, but significant from early-adolescence through middle adulthood. Shared environmental factors showed the opposite pattern, with the largest shared environmental contributions occurring in the youngest age group. Nonshared environmental effects remained relatively constant across age.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings highlight the importance of age differences in genetic and environmental influences. Possible mechanisms include gene x environment interactions and biological changes associated with key developmental stages.
Klump
Kelly L
KL
Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1116, USA. klump@msu.edu
Burt
S Alexandra
SA
Spanos
Alexia
A
McGue
Matt
M
Iacono
William G
WG
Wade
Tracey D
TD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D004777:Environment; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055815:Young Adult