Causes of Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders are complex disorders, influenced by a facet of factors. Though the exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, it is generally believed that a combination of biological, psychological, and/or environmental abnormalities contribute to the development of these illnesses.
Examples of biological factors include:
• Irregular hormone functions
• Genetics (the tie between eating disorders and one’s genes is still being heavily researched, but we know that genetics is a part of the story).
• Nutritional deficiencies
Examples of psychological factors include:
• Negative body image
• Poor self-esteem
Examples of environmental factors that would contribute to the occurrence of eating disorders are:
• Dysfunctional family dynamic
• Professions and careers that promote being thin and weight loss, such as ballet and modeling
• Aesthetically oriented sports, where an emphasis is placed on maintaining a lean body for enhanced performance.
o Examples include:
Rowing
Diving
Ballet
Gymnastics
Wrestling
Long distance running
• Family and childhood traumas: childhood sexual abuse, severe trauma
• Cultural and/or peer pressure among friends and co-workers
• Stressful transitions or life changes
Signs & Symptoms of an Eating Disorder
A man or woman suffering from an eating disorder may reveal several signs and symptoms, some which are:
• Chronic dieting despite being hazardously underweight
• Constant weight fluctuations
• Obsession with calories and fat contents of food
• Engaging in ritualistic eating patterns, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, eating alone, and/or hiding food
• Continued fixation with food, recipes, or cooking; the individual may cook intricate meals for others but refrain from partaking
• Depression or lethargic stage
• Avoidance of social functions, family, and friends. May become isolated and withdrawn
• Switching between periods of overeating and fasting
