Researchers believe they may have discovered two genetic mutations that may be linked to an increased risk for developing an eating disorder.

During this study, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers analyzed the genetics for two separate families with high rates of eating disorders. Researchers compared the genetic makeup of each family member who had been diagnosed with an eating disorders with members who had no risk or history of the condition.

After analyzing each family, researchers discovered that those who had been diagnosed with eating disorders contained two genetic mutations associated with the metabolic pathways in muscle and fat tissue. According to researchers, the two mutations are known as estrogen related receptor alpha ESRRA and histone deacetylase 4 HDAC4.

Further research will need to be conducted in order to determine if these results will be similar to other people with a history of the harmful disease. The discovery is believed to pave ways for new eating disorder treatments.