Objective: We examined the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences to restrained eating.
Method: Restrained eating was assessed by the Restraint Scale in a survey mailed to all twins enrolled in the University of Washington Twin Registry. We used structural equation modeling to estimate genetic and nongenetic contributions to restrained eating.
Results: 1,196 monozygotic (MZ), 456 same-sex dizygotic (DZ) twins, and 447 opposite-sex twins were included in analyses. Restraint Scale scores were more closely correlated in MZ twins (r(male) = .55, r(female) = .55) than in same-sex DZ twins (r(male) = .31, r(female) = .19). Based on structural equation modeling, the estimated heritability for restrained eating, adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and sex, was 43% (95% confidence interval 35-50%). There was little evidence for common environmental effects.
Discussion: These results indicate an inherited component to restrained eating. Genes could influence restrained eating directly or through inherited mediators such as personality factors or tendencies to gain weight.