Do We Know What Causes Eating Disorders?

What causes eating disorders? The short answer is that we don't really know yet. We do know, however, that there are many risk factors that seem to increase the chance of an eating disorder developing. Some of them can be avoided (dieting, for example) and some can't (gender and age, to name two).

Eating disorder risk factors fall into a number of categories. It is important to recognize that some of these factors overlap. In other words, some risk factors contribute to the development of other risk factors.

Gender

It is widely understood that eating disorders usually affect women, although eating disorders in males are on the rise. Because women are affected more often, being female must be considered a risk factor that cannot be controlled.

Age

Adolescence is a key time for young women and men. It's also a vulnerable time for eating disorder development.

Family Dynamics

Blaming parents for every psychological problem is unfair. But parents do affect their children in profound ways.

Behavioral Issues

Some behaviors can pave the way for eating disorders to develop. These choices can lead to loneliness and even desperation, which make highly controlled eating more likely.

Dieting

Dieting is one behavior that deserves special attention due to its profound effect on the development of eating disorders.

Abuse and Trauma

Disturbing events leave those involved feeling out of control and very unsafe. The natural thing do to is to find something that gives a sense of being the decision-maker. Eating disorders fill this desire comfortably.

Triggers

For those who are vulnerable to eating disorders for whatever reason, it may take just a little push to get the disorder going.

Genetics

Research is always looking for ways in which genetics may make eating disorders more likely. What science is learning is intriguing.

Negative (Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia) Web Sites

Adding to the mix of risks are pro-eating disorder web sites. Because these sites create a sense of closeness among those who use them, they serve as a substitute for what these persons really want--genuine intimacy.