Eating Disorder Causes
It is a common mis-perception that eating disorders are all about weight, appearance, and food. While this may be the ultimate preoccupation that brings out the eating disorder, eating disorders are actually about much more than this. They are a complex, multi-faceted, psychological illness that can be triggered by a number of life events. They are a condition brought on by a wide range of emotional, interpersonal, social, and behavioral factors. As diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders improves, the awareness that this is not a simple, calorie-in/calorie-out issue becomes more obvious. Researchers still have much to learn about the complexities of the various eating disorders. They have, however, been able to assess a generalized pattern of behavior and situations that contribute to the risk of development of eating disorders.
There are a host of factors that can contribute to the development of eating disorders. It is believed that those at risk for developing an eating disorder use the control of food to help maintain a feeling of control over issues in life which are out of their control. This can be transitions such as going to a new school, moving away from home for the first time, familial upheaval, i.e. divorce or death. It may also be a way to deal with emotions which are confusing or overwhelming. Those at risk may feel a sense of control or comfort from binging, purging, or extreme dieting. The guilt that these behaviors induces can easily over-ride the comfort obtained, leading to a viscous cycle of self destructive behavior. Low self-esteem or negative body image can lead to extreme dieting which is a known trigger for eating disorders. Feeling a lack of control over your life or circumstances may cause an at-risk individual to use food deprivation as a way to feel a sense of control. Loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions are also psychological factors which may lead to eating disorders. Distressing or confusing interpersonal relationships can also lead to eating disorders. Difficulty in discussing these feelings with others are also a known contributing factor. The previous risk factors are more emotional, psychological and internal. There are, however, risk factors which are more due to outside influence. These include being teased based on weight, size, or appearance, physical or sexual abuse, or having people who you care about be overly critical of your appearance. Familial factors are intimately entwined with the individual psyche. People who are at risk of developing eating disorders tend to be non-confrontational and are often seen as the 'perfect child'. Often they have a fear of sexually maturing and want to avoid growing up and the responsibility that entails. Overly controlling parents, emotionally distant fathers, excessively demanding mothers, mothers who are, themselves, excessively concerned with appearance. All can contribute to the development of an eating disorder.
Our media obsessed culture contributes as well to disordered eating behaviors and development of eating disorders. Western society tends to idolize the idea of the perfect body, emphasizing thinness above all else. We have a constant barrage of film, television, magazine and other media images selling us the message that you can never be too thin or too rich. Magazine covers show excessively thin, scantily clad models with articles entitled "Walk away belly fat, lose up to 200 pounds!" and "How to get the perfect body in ten easy moves." Rarely does a cover have a picture of anyone who doesn't fit the standard ideals of beauty. Our worth is rated not on inner qualities, strengths, and talents, but rather on whether or not we can proudly wear a bikini or show off great legs in a mini skirt. Basing individual worth on physical appearance is an impetus for disaster with regard to eating disorders. These at risk individuals are people who are already questioning whether or not they have anything of any value to contribute to their life. These messages tell them that unless they fit into the 'perfect body club' that they don't. It has been determined that the increased occurrence of eating disorders in industrialized countries is most likely due to the cultural message that thinness equates beauty equates value.
Aside from these psychological, social, and cultural factors, scientists are now researching the possibility that there may be a biological or genetic link to eating disorders. It is possible that chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite, or mood may be out of balance, thereby causing an overwhelming desire to binge, purge, or deprive oneself of food. According to Archives of General Psychiatry in 2006, recent research indicates that genetic factors account for more than half of the risk of developing Anorexia Nervosa. The genetic link in Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder are not yet as well known.
Sources: www.NationalEatingDisorders.org, www.anred.com, www.hec.ohio-state.edu
