Causes of eating disorders
A multitude of factors can cause eating disorders. They are frequently complex and interwoven, and are likely to include intricate genetic, psychological and social influences.
Genetic and physiological
Until recently it was generally believed that eating disorders resulted solely from environmental influences such as peer pressure and certain perceived expectations of society. However, it is now recognised that genetic factors play a part, meaning that people with a family history of eating disorders are more vulnerable to developing disordered eating.
Psychological and social
Eating disorders often occur as a result of deep emotional and psychological problems, which are often unresolved issues. Controlling food intake through overeating or under eating is often a coping mechanism for feelings such as stress, anxiety, depression, sadness, anger or other difficult emotions. Illnesses such as diabetes can lead to difficulties with eating. Even boredom can be a trigger.
Social factors are also hugely influential in the causes of eating disorders. Low self-esteem can reveal itself through eating disorders. Negative body image and/or body image distortion are also frequent causes of eating disorders.
Useful links
- Causes of anorexia nervosa - a number of interrelated physiological, psychological and behavioural factors are thought to cause anorexia nervosa.
- Causes of bulimia nervosa - a number of interrelated physiological, psychological and social factors are thought to cause bulimia nervosa.
- Causes of binge eating disorder - a number of interrelated physiological, psychological and behavioural factors are thought to cause binge eating disorder.
BDD (body dsymorphic disorder where an individual believes they have a problem with the appearance of a part of their body, and that is all they can think about)