Causes of Eating Disorders
The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. However, there are many risk factors:
1. Mental Health
Pre-existing mental health conditions can increased the risk of an eating disorder. In addition, negative mental health can lead to the development of an eating disorder in an attempt to regain control of a certain aspect of one’s life.
2. Family History
Those with family members that may have or had an eating disorder are at higher risk of developing one due to the modeling behaviors that correspond with eating disorders. About 40% to 60% of the risk of developing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder comes from genetic influence.
3. Body Dissatisfaction (negative body image)
Viewing your body in a negative light tremendously increases your chances of developing an eating disorder due to your will to change the way you look. Negative body image lowers self-esteem, which lowers your confidence as an individual and your feelings of self-worth.
4. Equating Thinness with Beauty
Those who equate beauty with how skinny one is are more likely to develop unhealthy eating habits if they do not feel “beautiful.” Thinness never has and never will correspond with true and genuine beauty. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. Despite how cliché that statement is, it stands true.
5. Stress
Stress can cause preoccupations to be at the forefront of your mind, which can lead to people developing an eating disorder in an attempt to regain a feeling of control in their lives.
6. Dieting and Starvation
Innocent diets can turn into obsessions over calories, salads, macros, carbs, fats. These escalations put those who partake in occasional fasting and dieting at a higher risk of developing a disorder.
Effects of Eating Disorders
- Physical Effects
- Heart problems
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Slowed brain function
- Gastroparesis (slowed digestion)
- Decreased hormone levels
- Hypothermia
- Deterioration of Esophagus and Teeth (from a purging disorder)
- Psychological Effects
- Individuals with an eating disorder are 5 times more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than the general population
- Abuse of drugs that suppress appetite
- Self-medication for psychological distress
- Individuals with an eating disorder are 5 times more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than the general population
The Role of Social Media
Social media does not cause eating disorders, but can be a trigger for one. There are many creators who claim to be “health and fitness enthusiasts,” but are actually just people with unhealthy mindsets promoting the adoption of their unhealthy practices. In addition, the access to images of millions of people can lead to the development of insecurities and low self-esteem due to constant comparison.
Youth Minds 