Causes

Scientists haven’t been able to pin point specific causes behind eating disorders, but have identified various factors that make someone susceptible to eating disorders.

​

Genetics

• eating disorders tend to run in families

• there are higher rates of eating disorders between identical twins than fraternal twins or siblings

• specific chromosomes have been linked to bulimia and anorexia

Biochemistry

• individuals with eating disorders may have abnormal levels of certain chemicals that regulate appetite, mood, sleep, and stress

  • research has shown that people with anorexia and bulimia have higher levels of cortisol which is the stress hormone

  • research has shown that people with anorexia have high levels of serotonin which is the hormone that keep you in a constant state of stress

Psychology

• eating disorders are common in people who suffer from:

  • clinical depression

  • anxiety

  • obsessive compulsive disorder

  • low self-esteem

  • impulsivity

  • perfectionism

Culture

• society encourages:

  • dieting

  • over-emphasis on appearance

  • societal beauty standards which promote unrealistic body shape

  • associating thinness with positive qualities (attractiveness, health, success, and love)

  • messages that represent a fear of fat and food

Environment

• family/ relationship problems

• difficult childhood

• history of physical/ sexual abuse

• activities that encourage thinness/ focus on weight (dancing, wresting, modeling, gymnastics, running)

• peer pressure

• bullying because of weight

.