About EDGI

The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) is the largest genetic investigation of eating disorders ever performed.

The New Zealand arm of EDGI aims to identify the genes that predispose people to developing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in order to improve treatments and ultimately save lives.

New Zealand aims to recruit more than 2000 people who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, including a control group (people without eating disorders), by March 31, 2026.

This study aims to identify hundreds of genes that influence a person’s risk of developing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and other eating disorder related conditions.

Identification of the genes that predispose people to eating disorders will revolutionise future research into causes, treatment, and prevention of the illness.

How to participate

Recruitment for EDGI-NZ is currently paused.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us at edgi@otago.ac.nz