About the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI)

What is EDGI?

The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) is the UK’s largest ever research project on eating disorders. Our aim is to collect the psychological, medical, and genetic information of 10,000 people with experience of any eating disorder. This will help us to better understand the role both our genes and environment play in the development of these illnesses. A deeper understanding of eating disorders means we will be better equipped to help those who are experiencing them. EDGI UK is part of an international collaboration, with many countries coming together as part of the same initiative. For too long, eating disorders have been stigmatised by society, underrepresented in mental health research, and overlooked by research funding bodies. Together with your help, we want to change this. Help make a difference by signing up to EDGI UK today.

What makes EDGI UK unique?

With joining EDGI UK, you consent to join the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) BioResource, a large panel made up of over 200,000 volunteers across England who have consented to let the Bioresource team have access to their health-related records, clinical and biological data to help further research. Your participation in EDGI UK will be a valuable resource to advance research in not only eating disorders, but to all other mental and physical health conditions as well. Your contribution goes a long way.

In EDGI, we include all eating disorders so that no eating disorder is left unexplored. Our research shall benefit current and future patients and service users, regardless of which eating disorder they may be experiencing.

Who runs EDGI?

EDGI UK is led by the NIHR Mental Health BioResource (part of the NIHR BioResource), researchers at King’s College London and is in collaboration with Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.

Can I take part in EDGI?

You can take part in EDGI if you:

  • Have ever experienced or are experiencing any eating disorder
  • Are 16 or over
  • Live in England

Please note, that due to funding and ethical limitations we are currently only able to recruit in England. If you would like to be put on our mailing list for when we expand to the rest of the UK, please email us at EDGI@kcl.ac.uk.

You do not have to:

  • Have received treatment or a diagnosis to take part
  • Tell your healthcare or insurance provider (all your information is strictly confidential)

How do I take part in EDGI?

Online! All enrolment takes place on our website. The sign-up process has been designed to be simple and accessible. You will need to:

  1. Register on the EDGI UK website
  2. Read the information sheet and provide consent
  3. Complete a 30 minute questionnaire
  4. Complete your DNA saliva kit(for genetics research) and return it to us in the free envelope provided.

Need more information?

Please see our Information Sheet or visit our FAQ page. If you have further questions about EDGI or would like to speak to a member of our team, you can contact us by email at edgi@kcl.ac.uk or by calling us on our freephone number 0800 917 6016. You can find our contact details here. Please leave us a message via phone, email, or our “Send a Message” form and our team will get back to you.

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Want to keep up to date with EDGI UK and our research? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Help us spread the word out about EDGI by sharing your participation or encourage friends or family to get involved.

All data use is strictly within the terms of the Data Protection Act 2018.