Eating disorder Causes and Risk Factors: postive family history: pubertal physical changes triggering body image dissatisfaction: social media: low self-esteem: history of obesity: examination stress: peer influence

Eating Disorder - Causes and Risk Factors

Eating disorders are complex conditions that can arise from a range of behavioral, interpersonal, emotional, psychological, and social factors.

Psychological Factors

Low self-esteem
Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life
Depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness

Interpersonal Factors

Troubled family and personal relationships
Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings
History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight
History of physical or sexual abuse

Social Factors

Cultural norms that value people based on their physical appearance
Cultural values that glorify thinness and obtaining the perfect body
Narrow definitions of beauty based on specific body weights and shapes
Influence of media on standards of beauty

Other Factors

Possible biochemical or biological factors (e.g. imbalance of chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite, and digestion)
Genetic factors (i.e. family history of eating disorders)

While there are no specific causes of eating disorders identified, studies have found that people with eating disorders tend to use food and the control of food to compensate for feelings and emotions that may be overwhelming for them. Dieting, bingeing, and purging can bring about different perceived benefits to individuals with eating disorders, such as a greater sense of control, feelings of comfort and relief from emotional distress, and increased self-esteem. These ‘benefits’ tend to make holding on to the eating disorders appealing to individuals, and they may therefore resist or delay treatment for their eating disorders. In doing so, individuals with eating disorders expose themselves to serious risks that can damage their physical and emotional health, self- esteem, and sense of competence and control.

It may not be possible to avoid developing an eating disorder. However, seeking professional help, taking control of and treating eating disorders early on when symptoms first appear can greatly increase the individual’s chances of recovery.