Causes Of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are defined as a unhealthy relationship with food that may negatively affect a person 's physical and mental health. People with eating disorders most commonly focus too much on their weight, body shape, and food they are eating. They focus on their weight so they do not become obese. The focus of the body shape is so they feel more confident with themselves and feel more attractive. When they say the focus on food intake, they are referring to the amount of food, the calories, and the fats in the foods that may increase their weight. Eating disorders become dangerous when it affects the person 's everyday life. Other effects are harming the heart, the digestive system, bones, teeth, mouth, and can lead to other diseases. Eating disorders are most commonly developed during the teenage years. They are also most common in women and young teen girls. An eating disorder is a dangerous disorder that can cause many issues that can last a lifetime. Eating disorders have many symptoms; these symptoms may be obvious or not to the people around them. Each eating disorder has multiple symptoms but each disorder has its own unique symptoms. Over all, the symptoms of eating disorders are unique or unusual eating habits, depression as well as continuous worry about their weight or appearance, and a sudden weight loss or gain. Symptoms may also include constant dieting even after they are underweight because the attention makes them feel better about themselves. It often includes obsessing over counting calories and fat content of the food they are eating. Cutting food into very small pieces, eating alone, and hiding food so it looks like they’ve eaten are warning signs of an eating disorder. Their weight will change a lot because they may fast then overeat and continue the cycle. Avoiding social gatherings may also occur so they don’t have to eat in front of others. They can range from just cutting food into small pieces from not eating at all. Someone who has an eating disorder may have symptoms that are obvious or not obvious. The main cause of developing eating disorders has not been determined as one single reason but researchers believe it has to do with genetic, emotional, psychological, and social factors. …show more content…
Genetics are a factor because certain people may inherit certain genes that increase the risk. Studies have shown if a first-degree relative, meaning siblings or parents, are diagnosed with eating disorders the person might be more likely to develop eating disorders. Depending on a person 's emotional and psychological state, it also could be a cause. If a person has low self-esteem, they may feel if they have the “perfect body” they will be happier and more accepted. Social factors are a big cause of eating disorders. The media has painted a picture for women to be thin and men to be muscular, but not everyone can achieve that picture. Athletes, actors and actresses may be at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder because they are known for having a perfect body. There are many ideas on what the cause may be but researchers have not determined a single cause. Eating disorders may seem harmless but they are very dangerous. The longer the victim has the disorder, the more severe and harmful effects start to develop. Depending on the disorder, there are differing medical problems. Most people with an eating disorder develop or have depression and anxiety. If the behavior continues, suicidal thoughts may begin to form; the person may start self-harming as well. Due to malnutrition, they can have slower growth development. They may skip school and work, as well as family gatherings and other social events. The most severe complication would be death. …show more content…
Biological factors are a genetic tendency toward sensitivity, perfectionism, and perseverance. Researchers aren’t sure which gene is responsible for these biological factors. Psychological factors include using food to gain a sense of control, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Peer pressure is a psychological factor because society tells us thinness and physical appearance are equal to beauty. Physical factors include changes in hormones that control the appetite, thinking, and memory. Researchers don’t know the exact cause of anorexia but they think it has to do with biological, psychological, and physical