Causes Of Eating Disorders |
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What Causes an Eating Disorder?The increased incidence of eating disorders has been blamed on various factors. Some relate to emotions and feelings, others to a strong desire to be thin, others to never-ending dieting patterns, and still others to unrealistic expectations placed on individuals, particularly teenagers. No single factor has been shown to be the cause of these disorders, but each can contribute in its own way. In fact, the causes seem to be varied for different people. Although the majority of victims are females, some 90 percent, the incidence of eating disorders in males is beginning to rise. Younger people are also falling victim, with teenagers accounting for the largest number of cases, at somewhere around 85 percent. Reactions to feeling rejected, worthless, and unhappy about appearance can result in out-of-control behaviors such as using excessive food for comfort or overly controlling intake of food. While many people move in and out of abnormal eating patterns throughout their lives, only one in ten form actual eating disorders. Eating disorders are not just about being thin and trim. They include issues relating to self-esteem, depression, power, and control, as well.Behaviors/Emotions/FeelingsEach person has his or her own type of eating and behavior patterns. Many are highly affected by feelings and emotions. Strong emotions often cause some people to eat in excess, while others resort to not eating at all. But this does not indicate that these individuals will suffer from an eating disorder. Peer/Competitive PressureMuch of the increased blame of eating disorders is placed on society's strong desire to be thin. Models, actors, and rock stars form society's impression of attractiveness and success, while larger-sized individuals are often shown to be dull, boring, and undesirable. Many people begin to value a person's self-worth on their body size and shape. This strong impact causes many people who may be within normal weight to diet beyond healthy limits. When one diet doesn't work, another is tried, and this process continues over and over again until disordered eating patterns result. Body image is defined as one's internal view of his or her body size, shape, and weight. Those with negative body images perceive their bodies as it is not—too big, too fat, unattractive, or a reflection of personal failure. And those with positive body images see their bodies as they are—accepting of its size, shape, weight, not perfect but a body they feel comfortable in. Competitive athletes are also highly prone to eating disorders in that their standards far exceed those of amateurs. Constant demands to achieve weight goals for their particular sport or competition, especially among groups like dancers and gymnasts, can be enough reason for self-starvation at some times and at other times to binge and purge. Common TheoriesSome theories indicate that a connection may exist between one's genetic background and his or her risk of developing an eating disorder. Certain chemicals in the brain may trigger overeating patterns. Still other theories concern families and the high expectations placed on children. When parents overly stress the importance of high achievement and appearance, children often find alternate avenues in which they can control their lives. Eating disorders are known to result from these pressures. People must realize that eating disorders are not only a nutrition problem but a psychological one as well. Yes, these teens (and adults) want to be thin, and almost nothing can stand in their way of accomplishing their goals to strive to be their thinnest. But just going on a reducing diet is not necessarily enough to cause an eating disorder. These disorders are often much more complex than that. Who Does It AffectEating disorders affect not only the individuals themselves. They also weigh heavily on the entire family. When a person suffers from an eating disorder, his or her entire world becomes involved. Work life, family life, relationships, health, emotional states, and more are highly affected. Often, an eating disorder results from a life-changing experience or trauma, such as a death in the family, divorce, or moving away to college, but that is not the only reason. Striving for perfection or placing stress on an individual to perform beyond his or her abilities can also contribute to problems. When this happens, the person feels like he cannot control his inner feelings and emotions. Food then serves as a comfort or control mechanism, whether that means eating more or eating less. Eating disorders are classified as psychiatric disorders, but they also include large nutritional and medical components Who Is at Risk? Anyone is at risk for eating disorders. These problems do not just affect females, teens, and those seeking to diet. Yes, indeed, these disorders occur more frequently within these groups, with females accounting for the largest number at somewhere around 90 to 95 percent, but other groups of individuals can also be affected. Teens are highly influenced by television and celebrity models. They want to be thin as they can be, they strive for perfection within themselves, and they also have many outside pressures from school, parents, and peers. Athletes, particularly dancers and gymnasts, many of whom are also teens, are at risk as well, as these individuals constantly seek options to keep low body weights. And young males should not be forgotten. This group is at risk in similar ways in that they also seek perfectionism and can be involved in competitive sports, like wrestling (where it's important to keep weight down). In addition, these young men may be seeking an outlet to control emotions. Men and boys are raised to keep feelings and emotions buried, rarely crying in public or sharing feelings of sadness, guilt, or pain. Often, this hiding of emotions can play out in control of eating compulsively or not eating at all. Do You Think You May Be at Risk?Determining whether you may be at risk is a complicated process. Obsession with weight, body size, calorie counting, exercising, and eating can all be related to risk. Ask yourself the following questions. The more questions you answer with a "yes" response, the greater your risk for developing an eating disorder:
Answering yes to these questions should raise a red flag of caution for an eating disorder problem. If you feel you may need some help, there are many resources available. In the event that you notice many of these behaviors in another person close to you, you may want to seek support or treatment options here too. Information for support is available from your physician, a registered dietitian, or through the resources listed in Appendix B. Current estimates show that over five million Americans suffer from eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders. Signs of Eating DisordersSigns of an eating disorder can be visible or hidden. Depending on the type and severity of the disorder, the signs may or may not be clear enough to determine the problem. Some individuals may lose significant amounts of weight, others may remain at normal weight, and others may gain weight. There are some early signs, though, that may signal a problem. These include the following.
Eating disorders can be classified into three distinct types, although variations and combinations of each can occur. These include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. |
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