So far, we have discussed what an eating disorder is, the unique types, and a little bit about how it affects a person. Let’s delve a bit further into what causes an eating disorder. All people go through different life events, which means some people may have an eating disorder without going through these specific happenings. However, this does not mean an eating disorder can be dismissed, nor does it mean it is invalid. Please seek help or support, and don’t feel the need to handle such problems alone.
In actuality, pinpointing the cause of an eating disorder proves difficult. Anyone can develop an eating disorder, and many believe it comes from a combination of genetics and biological factors. However, certain circumstances may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. These include:
family history
other mental health issues
dieting and starvation
a history of weight bullying
stress
Some personality traits may be linked to eating disorders as well. Eating disorders often revolve around controlling food intake and feeling in control of yourself. Thus, perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and/or sensitivity to negative emotions seem connected to EDs. In addition, exposure to social media and eating disorders have a strong correlation. Only being able to see the edited, glamorous lifestyles of celebrities and influencers leads to comparison, which can become the cause of low self-esteem and mental distress.
A study found that the lifetime prevalence of eating disorders in adolescents in the US was 3.8% for women and 1.5% for men. Recent studies comparing statistics from a few decades back and the present show that anorexia’s prevalence in children ages 8 to 12 years old is climbing. These numbers are frightening, and they raise fear for future generations.
Mistreated eating disorders have serious consequences. Some of those consequences include, but are not limited to:
serious health problems
suicidal thoughts/behaviors
problems with growth and development
social and relationship problems
substance use disorders
work and school issues
depression or anxiety
death
But all hope isn’t lost. There are significant numbers of people who make full recovery, even if the journey is tough. An eating disorder is so much more than what it seems, and it may take time to peel back all the layers and reveal the actual cause. However, it’s not impossible.
Writer: Isara Moriya
Sources:
Commentaires