Eating disorders are characterized by dangerous eating behaviors, which may be accompanied by a preoccupation with food, weight or body size. There is a common misconception that eating disorders are lifestyle choices, when in fact they are a serious mental illness. As such, they are unlikely to be resolved without treatment.
There are many possible causes of eating disorders, which stem from environmental, psychological and biological factors. It’s important to remember that more than one factor may lead to the development of an eating disorder. In each case, it can be difficult to know exactly what causes an eating disorder because of these potential factors.
Reference the below details for more information on some of the most common eating disorder causes.
Environmental factors
The types of environmental factors that tend to contribute to eating disorders are often related to public perception of an ideal figure. The almost exclusive use of idealized bodies in media reinforces this idea. Consequently, both men and women can feel immense pressure to control their weight. Unfortunately, many of us have an exaggerated perception of our current weight that is matched with an equally misguided perception of what our ideal weight should be.
Ultimately, this disparity can lend itself to a distorted body image.
Participating in sports and activities that emphasize a lean body can also add additional pressure that can trigger an eating disorder.
Activities where eating disorders are common include:
- Long-distance running;
- Gymnastics;
- Beach volleyball;
- Wrestling;
- Judo;
- Diving;
- Bodybuilding;
- Boxing;
- Figure skating;
- Rowing;
- Dance, particularly ballet.
The concept of environmental triggers applies to our professional lives as well. Professions such as modeling or acting place a lot of pressure on maintaining a certain weight or body image.
Another potential cause of an eating disorder is a life change, disruption or transition. This may include events such as financial hardship or loss of employment. An eating disorder can be an unhealthy way to cope with the stress of the event.
Psychological factors
Those of us who have underlying mental disorders, like depression or anxiety, are at greater risk of developing an eating disorder. Poor self-esteem and negative body image are also frequently present in people with eating disorders.
It’s important to remember that eating disorders are rarely caused by a single factor, including psychological factors. Before jumping into treatment, consider meeting with a licensed therapist, someone who can help you reach the root of any and all psychological factors you face. This may result in a more accurate diagnosis, which will help make treatment more effective. If there is a co-occurring mental health disorder present, treatment should address both disorders at the same time.
Trauma and eating disorders
Trauma is one of the strongest risk factors for eating disorders, and there are links between PTSD, childhood trauma and the development of eating disorders later in life. At times, the cause of an eating disorder may be rooted in childhood or adolescence. Physical or sexual abuse, dysfunctional family dynamics or other types of trauma could lead to an eating disorder, even after the traumatic events have occurred.
Control paradox
Those of us struggling with anorexia—in which we essentially lose control of our eating habits—experience involuntary fluctuations in eating habits. A significant percentage of people challenged with anorexia nervosa describe that they felt their lives were spiraling and that maintaining rigid control over their diet made them feel they were taking back their quality of life.
This level of control, however, will inevitably become an obsession and lead to dangerous, disordered eating habits. Many people suffering with anorexia maintain a distorted self-image of how heavy they appear. While their friends or family can see that they are malnourished, people challenged by anorexia often feel overweight. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anorexia nervosa has the highest fatality rate of any mental illness.
Biological factors
There are a number of biological factors that may contribute to an eating disorder. These factors include irregular hormone functions and an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
While clinical trials are ongoing, there is research to suggest a link between genetics and eating disorders. If a family member has suffered from anorexia, bulimia or another disorder, there is a chance you may be at risk.
It’s important to remember that these studies do not predetermine our fates. Regardless of family history, it is possible to maintain a healthy diet and relationship with our bodies.
Eating disorders can be treated
So, what causes eating disorders? Oftentimes, the cause is the combination of environmental, psychological and biological factors.
Regardless of age, gender or family history, eating disorders can affect anyone. If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, Seeds of Hope is here to help. Call (610) 644-6464 to speak to a member of our admissions team today.
Our team is here to guide you through your path to recovery.
How do eating disorders start? There is usually no one single cause, but rather a number of different issues that culminate in an eating disorder. These factors could be:
- Biological
- Emotional
- Interpersonal
- Social
- Psychological
What do all these terms mean? How do you know if you may be dealing with something that could be a contributing cause when it comes to your issues with food?
Biological Causes
The subject of biological causes for eating disorders is continually being researched. Some propose that chemicals in the brain that control appetite and hunger may be a part of the story and that, when unbalanced due to genetics, accident or disease, can cause people to develop disordered eating habits. How to identify these issues and remedy them are still under investigation. What we do know for sure is that eating disorders – like other mental wellness issues – often run in families. But is it biologically passed from one member to another or an environmental issue that occurs when family members develop similar habits? Again, that is a question that is currently up for debate.
Interpersonal Causes
Many use food to medicate emotional issues and there are few things more emotionally disturbing than interpersonal relationships. Problems that can trigger eating disorder issues range from moderate to severe, including:
Breakups, divorce and on-again/ off-again romantic relationships Difficulty expressing emotions or emotional attachments to others Past issues with being victimized by bullies or teased, especially about appearance
Past or current issues of physical abuse, sexual abuse and/or domestic violence
Social Causes
The importance that the media places on a particular beauty ideal varies from culture to culture, and in our country, tall and skinny is the media’s version of perfection. Actresses are airbrushed in magazines to look as close to the ideal as possible, models for almost every line of clothing are thin, and the cultural norm is to judge people based on their appearance. It can make it difficult for those who are also dealing with other emotional or interpersonal issues to handle the pressure without developing disordered habits with eating.
Psychological and Emotional Causes
Psychological issues like low self-esteem, feeling a lack of control over stressful issues in your life, feeling inadequate, or struggling with mental health symptoms like depression or anxiety can all trigger you to attempt to regain control through food or find comfort in eating. If you are using food to self-medicate feelings associated with the above problems, eating disorder treatment can help.
At Futures of Palm Beach we understand that the causes of an eating disorder are unique to each person’s situation. Our customized treatment programs are tailored to address the needs of each individual. If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, contact us today to learn how we can help you conquer it.
Experience lasting change and receive the support you need now and over the years to come.
What causes eating disorders?
The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. However, many doctors believe that a combination of genetic, physical, social, and psychological factors may contribute to the development of an eating disorder.
For instance, research suggests that serotonin may influence eating behaviors. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that regulates mood, learning, and sleep, as well as other functions.
Societal pressure can also contribute to eating disorders. Success and personal worth are often equated with physical beauty and a slim physique, especially in Western culture. The desire to succeed or feel accepted may fuel behaviors associated with eating disorders.
Eating disorders can take various forms, including:
- overeating
- undereating
- purging
Each eating disorder has unique symptoms and behaviors that can help you recognize them.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia can be identified by unusually low weight and an intense desire not to gain weight or eat too much, if at all.
Anorexia is characterized by behavior meant to avoid gaining any weight at all, often to the point of malnourishment. With anorexia, a person may also see themselves as overweight, even if their body weight is far below normal.
Anorexia is most prevalent among young women. Up to 1 percent of women in the United States have anorexia, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. It’s much less common among men, who only make up 5-10 percent of people with anorexia.
Binge eating disorder (BED)
Binge eating disorder (or BED) occurs when you eat too much on a regular basis. You may also feel guilty about bingeing or feel like your bingeing is out of control.
With BED, you may continue eating long after you feel full, sometimes to the point of discomfort or nausea. BED can happen to people of all sizes and weights.
In the United States, BED affects more people than any other eating disorder, including 3.5 percent of women, 2 percent of men, and 1.6 percent of adolescents.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia occurs when you experience episodes of binge eating followed by purging. With bulimia, you may feel guilty or helpless after eating large amounts of food and try to vomit the food back up. You may use laxatives to quickly get the food through your digestive system. You might also exercise excessively to prevent the food from causing weight gain.
With bulimia, you may believe that you’re overweight even if your weight is normal, slightly above normal, or even below a healthy weight.
The prevalence of bulimia among young women in the United States is around 1-2 percent. This disorder is most common during the late teen years and early adulthood. Only 20 percent of people with bulimia are men.
Read more: 10 facts about bulimia »
Pica
Pica is a disorder in which you eat objects or other non-nutritious substances uncommon to your culture. Pica occurs over the course of at least one month, and the substances you eat may include:
The prevalence of pica isn’t well known. But it appears more frequently in people with intellectual disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Rumination disorder
Rumination disorder occurs when you regurgitate food from your stomach frequently without having another medical or gastrointestinal condition. When you regurgitate the food, you may chew and swallow it again or spit it out.
The prevalence of rumination disorder is unknown. However, it seems to be more common among people with intellectual disabilities.
Symptoms vary with each disorder, but the most common symptoms include:
- abnormally low or high body weight
- an irregular diet
- the desire to eat alone or secretly
- using the bathroom frequently after a meal
- obsession with losing or gaining weight quickly
- obsession with physical appearance and perception of body by others
- feelings of guilt and shame around eating habits
- experiencing abnormal stress or discomfort about eating habits
Women are more likely than men to have eating disorders. Other genetic, social, and environmental factors that may increase your risk for developing an eating disorder include:
- age
- family history
- excessive dieting
- psychological health
- life transitions
- extracurricular activities
Age
Although they can occur at any age, eating disorders are most common during the teens and early twenties.
Family history
Genes may increase a person’s susceptibility to developing an eating disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with first-degree relatives who have an eating disorder are more likely to have one, too.
Excessive dieting
Weight loss is often met with positive reinforcement. The need for affirmation can drive you to diet more severely, which can lead to an eating disorder.
Psychological health
If you have an eating disorder, an underlying psychological or mental health problem may be contributing to it. These problems can include:
Life transitions
Certain life changes and events can cause emotional distress and anxiety, which can make you more susceptible to eating disorders. This is especially true if you’ve struggled with an eating disorder in the past. These times of transition can include moving, changing jobs, the end of a relationship, or the death of a loved one. Abuse, sexual assault, and incest can also trigger an eating disorder.
Extracurricular activities
If you’re part of sports teams or artistic groups, you’re at an increased risk. The same is true for members of any community that’s driven by appearance as a symbol of social status, including athletes, actors, dancers, models, and television personalities. Coaches, parents, and professionals in these areas may inadvertently contribute to eating disorders by encouraging weight loss.
Teenagers can be especially susceptible to eating disorders because of hormonal changes during puberty and social pressure to look attractive or thin. These changes are normal, and your teenager may only practice unhealthy eating habits every once in a while.
But if your teenager begins to obsess over their weight, appearance, or diet, or starts consistently eating too much or too little, they may be developing an eating disorder. Abnormal weight loss or weight gain may also be a sign of an eating disorder, especially if your teenager frequently makes negative comments about their body or perceived size.
If you suspect your teenager has an eating disorder, be open and honest about your concerns. If they’re comfortable talking with you, be understanding and listen to their concerns. Also have them see a doctor, counselor, or therapist to address the social or emotional issues that may be causing their disorder.
Women are affected by eating disorders more often, but men are not immune. Research also suggests that men with eating disorders are underdiagnosed and undertreated. They’re less likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder, even when they exhibit similar (or even the same) symptoms as a woman.
Some men suffer from a condition called muscle dysmorphia, an extreme desire to become more muscular. While most women with eating disorders wish to lose weight and become thinner, men with this disorder see themselves as too small and want to gain weight or increase muscle mass. They may engage in dangerous behaviors, such as steroid use, and may also use other types of drugs to increase muscle mass more quickly.
Research suggests that many young men with eating disorders don’t seek treatment because they consider them stereotypically female disorders.
If you believe someone you know might have an eating disorder, talk to them about it. These conversations can be difficult because eating disorders can trigger negative emotions or make someone feel defensive about their eating habits. But listening to their concerns or showing that you care and understand can help encourage someone to seek help or treatment.
Treatment depends on the eating disorder, its cause, and your overall health. Your doctor may evaluate your nutritional intake, refer you to a mental health professional, or hospitalize you if your disorder has become life-threatening.
In some cases, psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family therapy, can help address the social or emotional issues that may be causing your disorder.
There’s no medication that can fully treat an eating disorder. But some medications can help control symptoms of the anxiety or depressive disorder that may be causing or aggravating your eating disorder. These can include anti-anxiety medicines or antidepressants.
Reducing your stress through yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can also help you control your eating disorder.
Read more: The best eating disorder apps of 2016 »