A biological factor may play an essential part in the development of eating disorders in girls during puberty, a new study finds.

The research, led by Michigan State University (MSU) scientists, finds that the genes of girls who have higher levels of estradiol at puberty can act as a catalyst for the development of eating disorders. Estradiol is the primary form of estrogen in women's bodies. It plays a key role in the development of secondary sex characteristics and bone development.

"The reason we see an increase in genetic influences during puberty is that the genes for disordered eating are essentially getting switched on during that time," said Kelly Klump, MSU associate professor of psychology, in a release. "What we found is that increases in estradiol apparently are activating genetic risk for eating disorders."

The genes responsible for activating eating disorders have yet to be identified. The researchers also believe that environmental factors and a genetic link (having a family history of eating disorders) play a part in the development of the condition.

The researchers measured the amount of estradiol in the bloodstreams of 200 sets of twin girls between the ages of 10 and 15.

The study is published in the journal Psychological Medicine.