Eating disorders run in families...?

When I was eleven, I got Anorexia Nervosa. Eating disorders run in families, but as far as we know, no one on either side of my family has ever had an eating disorder. Could I be the first? I also have a little sister who's ten. (I'm 14). Does the fact that I had an eating disorder make it more likely for her to develop one? I'm worried about her. I'm also worried that if I have children, they'll get them. I don't want to put that on them, or my sister.

The best thing you can do as an older sister is to fight this, ovecome it and be a role model for younger girls like your sister who will look up to you. How you act, talk, dress, how you view your body. Why do you think you have anorexia? It's not something you wake up with.. somewhere you read about it, thought about it, decided that controlling your food intake meant something to you. You'll have to find out your reasons for this behavior and take charge. No victims, I pray you get help and talk to somebody today so you can win this battle. Does this run in families? Sometimes, generational issues are common to see inherited. Why be the first to start.

Unless there is an underlying medical reason for your low weight such as thyroid disorder, only way really is as a learnt behaviour. She or your hypothetical children will only learn it as a response or negative coping mechanism if they see you responding to stress that way. It is in your best interest as a role model to get some therapy and figure out the complex issues underlying your condition, what caused the onset of the disease and how to cope with it in a more conducive and healthy way. Good luck!

No it doesn't run in familys.
I had a tharapist who treated them and she said it doesn't.
=]

It is fairly common for people with no family hisotory of an eating disorder to develop one. A family history just increases the risk slightly. I think it's only natural for you to worry about your sister, I used to have an ED and I worried awfully that my younger cousin would also develop one. I would not worry too much however.

I think the best thing you can do is be honest with her about what you have been through and suffered, if she ever asks about it. You didn't cause your eating disorder and certainly, on the very rare chance that your sister/future children did develop one, it wouldn't be your fault. So please don't worry too mucha nd just concentrate on yourself and making sure you are healthy and happy. That's the best example you can set yoru sister and you will feel better for it too. Look after yourself.

Actually, yes. Eating disorders have a genetic component that can be rather strong. There are mutations on the first chromosome that are indicative of having anorexia nervosa, the tenth chromosome for bulimia nervosa. An immediate family member of an individual with anorexia nervosa is twelve times more likely to have an eating disorder themselves (cited by Strober, 1996...University of Pittsburg School of Medicine).
BUT...it has a lot to do with other factors as well. It has to do with personality, experiences, and life events that may not or have never happened to your sister.
The other responses, although not educated about the disease, are correct in that recovering yourself is the most important thing here. That is the best thing you can do as a sister. If your little sister happens to get an eating disorder, it will not be because of you, it will be because of her genes as well. Your parents need to be very mindful of these dynamics and they need to get you both some help...therapy can be useful even for people who have no problem yet. Eating disorders can come from the family system as well. They are a combination of so many things that it is hard to tell how much is really genetic and how much is enviornment.
It is possible you are the first, or at least the first who has been diagnosed. In the past, many issues with eating disorders were not named and were hidden. Therefore, you may be the first to actually have the diagnosis. But no matter what, you want to get this under control as soon as possible. It will screw up your life if you don't...trust me, I spent far too long in its grips. Good luck, I wish you the best.