BY: Jessica Baker, PhD

DATE: April 19, 2016

May 2013 marked the launch of the Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative (ANGI). To remind you, ANGI is an international research effort, with research teams at UNC and in Denmark, Sweden, and Australia working together to unlocking the mystery of anorexia nervosa (AN). From decades of research, we know that genes influence the risk for AN. However, the specific genes be contributing to AN risk are still unknown. The goal of ANGI is to finally identify these genes.

Since we began recruitment in 2013 our research team has been surprised by the remarkable response we have had! What we have found most intriguing in talking to our participants is the specific interest in the genetic underpinnings of AN. There is excitement around the fact that our mission is to detect the specific genetic factors involved in risk for AN. We are hearing participants say, “If my contribution can stop one person from suffering from AN, I’m dedicated to being involved in this research.”

ANGI is winding down and our recruitment will end this summer. So if you’ve been wanting to participate in ANGI or have started the process but haven’t finished your participation there is still time! We are still recruiting individuals with a history of AN and individuals without a history of an eating disorder to participate. But hurry, the deadline to participate is June 30, 2016. All that is required is a brief online questionnaire and a blood sample. To make it easier for you, we’ll even send the phlebotomist to wherever you are, nationwide! We would also like to send a big THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to the study already. Without each of you, this study would not have been possible.

Finally, this wouldn’t be much of an update without our latest numbers, so here’s the latest breakdown as of March 1, 2016: over 1,200 people with a history of AN and over 700 people with no history of an eating disorder have completed participation. We are closing in on our goal but we need your help to reach it!

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in ANGI, please contact us!

If you are in the United States, please visit our website at www.unceatingdisorders.org/angi, call us toll free at 1-855-746-2547, or email us at angi@unc.edu.

If you are in Australia, visit https://angi.qimr.edu.au, free call 1-800-257-179, or email angi@qimrberghofer.edu.au