What Causes Eating Disorders?
The signs, symptoms, and consequences of eating disorders are commonly talked about on various public platforms. However, the causes and risk factors of eating disorders are seldom mentioned and are overshadowed by misconceptions.
In today’s blog, we will learn about the potential causes and risk factors that lead to eating disorders and tackle misconceptions surrounding them.
But what causes eating disorders? Although the exact causes of eating disorders remain unknown, genetics and biology play prospective roles. For instance, individuals may have certain genes that increase their risk of developing eating disorders, and biological factors, such as changes in brain chemistry, may also take part.
Risk Factors of Eating Disorders
In addition to genetic and biological causes, risk factors like family history (which supports the idea of genetic and biological causes), dieting and starvation, other mental health illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD, weight bullying, and stress are also believed to increase the risk of an individual developing an eating disorder.
Due to the various causes and risk factors of eating disorders, it is understandable why there are misconceptions surrounding their development.
Common Misconceptions About Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders Are a Female Illness
According to a Harvard study, females are two times more likely to have an eating disorder than males. However, eating disorders impact people of all genders and sexual orientations. More research must be done to include individuals of all genders for more accurate and up-to-date data. It is also important to note that not all individuals with an eating disorder admit that they have one or seek help.
Eating Disorders Are Caused By Social Media
Social media can most certainly impact how a person feels about their body and physical appearance. However, that does not necessarily mean that it causes eating disorders. Studies have shown both a correlation between social media use and eating disorders and a lack thereof, making it difficult to determine the impact of social media on eating disorders.
Parents Cause Eating Disorders
Parents do not cause eating disorders. Even though risk factors for developing eating disorders include genetics and family history, it does not mean that parents are the direct cause of a child developing an eating disorder. Eating disorders are multiplex, so it is not possible to determine a single cause, and it is important to not blame individuals.
Since there are numerous misconceptions about how eating disorders develop, it is important to educate yourself with information and facts from reliable resources. Spreading false information is unhelpful and dangerous for those impacted, both directly and indirectly, by eating disorders. Together, let’s make the world a more welcoming space for those impacted by mental illnesses.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, located in New York City, offers free consultation calls to help you explore next steps. We provide in-person programming seven days a week and are in-network with UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Cigna, Emblem, and Oscar, with Aetna coverage coming soon. Support is available, and recovery is possible. Schedule a free consultation call with our admissions team here and stay connected with BALANCE on Instagram here.
References
Lindsey Hall, et al. “Eating Disorder Facts and Myths.” Eating Recovery Center, 19 July 2024, www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/eating-disorder-facts-myths.
“Eating Disorders.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 Mar. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603.
“Report: Economic Costs of Eating Disorders.” STRIPED, 27 Sept. 2021, www.hsph.harvard.edu/striped/report-economic-costs-of-eating-disorders/.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is a recent graduate of St. Catherine University, having earned a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition Science. Tori is passionate about all things related to intuitive eating, HAES, mental health, body respect, eating disorders, and disordered eating. She also geeks out on neuroscience and loves studying the brain and its anatomy. Tori currently works as a Mental Health Practitioner at an eating disorder clinic. Outside work, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature, and drinking coffee.
