Causes of Eating Disorders 

Learn about the causes of eating disorders.
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental illnesses that can affect people of every age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic group. No one knows exactly what causes eating disorders, but it is generally believed they are the result of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
Biological causes
Studies have shown a genetic link amongst family members with eating disorders. It’s not uncommon to see eating disorders span generations. It’s important to note is that eating disorders are often accompanied with other mental health co-morbidities, such as depression, anxiety and other mood disorders as well as drug or alcohol abuse.
Environmental causes
The environment can certainly play a role, too. Trauma, pressure to look a certain way, sports performance requirements, expectations about grades in school and family dynamics are examples of how a sufferer’s environment can fuel eating disorder symptoms. However, many times a patient’s drive for perfectionism to achieve his or her own personal standard of excellence contributes to the eating disorder.
Cultural causes
Culture also plays a role in eating disorders. Every day, we are besieged with messages about beauty, unrealistic body images and fad diets. Patients with eating disorders are abnormally preoccupied with food, oftentimes labeling certain foods as “good” or “bad”.
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