The genetic risk of developing an eating disorder could be identified from birth thanks to a major study led by Queensland researchers.

Triple Olympian Lisa Curry is leading the appeal for volunteers to take part, five years on from the loss of her daughter Jaimi.

“It feels like your heart’s been ripped out,” Curry said.

“She just sort of took a breath and then her hands went cold, that was it,” Curry said.

Jaimi Kenny died at the age of 33 after battling eating disorders for 18 years.

The struggle was made more difficult by a lack of answers.

“She’d say, ‘Where did it come from? Why am I like this?'” Curry said.

Curry is eager to contribute to finding those answers, spearheading an initiative that seeks over 4000 volunteers from Australia and up to 100,000 globally to engage in a groundbreaking genetic research study.

“I have to be able to use [my voice] for the good,” she said.

Clinical nutritionist Lexi Crouch is among those signing up after her own 15-year battle with anorexia which led to more than 25 hospitalisations.

“I felt very strange and I didn’t feel seen at all,” Crouch said.

The collected saliva samples will be sent to a DNA facility at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer, where machines will be used to detect genetic markers within the samples.

Hundreds of genes are expected to be pinpointed, up from the eight currently known. 

QIMR Berghofer researcher Professor Nick Martin said there is a large genetic component to eating disorders.

“It’s not your fault, it’s just the luck of the draw,” Martin said.

“By identifying all these genes, we can create what is known as a polygenic risk score, allowing us to inform individuals about their risks from birth or even earlier.”

It is also hoped the study will improve treatment options.

Participants from all cultural backgrounds are needed and the samples can be sent in by post.