Why Do People Develop Eating Disorders?
Posted on: January 30th, 2014
Eating disorders are on the rise in the United States, in both the male and female populations. Equally concerning, signs of eating disorders are appearing in younger and younger children, often less than 12 years old. Having treated so many people struggling with eating disorders over the years, invariably I am asked, “Why me?” People wonder whether eating disorders are caused by a person’s environment, genes, or is it just random?
Environment is a significant factor in the development of eating disorders. Children who witness a parent dieting regularly and being critical of their own body are at higher risk. According to Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders (ANRED), parents that exhibit inflexible, overprotective behavior can heighten the risk of eating disorders in their children. Similarly, parents that set unrealistic expectations for their children may send a message that it is unacceptable to fail. Sometimes children raised in these environments see starvation or purging behaviors as the only control they have in their lives.
In an excellent article by Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T), called The Role of Environment, several influences are listed which can lead to the development of eating disorders. One is the notion, perpetuated in the media, that you have to be thin to be beautiful. Another influence is the constant coverage of the latest diet or eating trends. Research supports that sometimes the diet itself can trigger an eating disorder. As F.E.A.S.T. points out, “Dietary restriction sets into motion physiological, neurobiological, and emotional forces that drive eating disordered thoughts and behaviors.” So, the media is not solely to blame for the increasing number of eating disorders, but it is quite powerful and does play a significant role in defining beauty and health in our society.
The likelihood of developing an eating disorder can have a hereditary component. In a study by Thornton, Mazzeo and Bulik, The Heritability of Eating Disorders: Methods and Current Findings, “Researchers confirmed that anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating were more common in families with a history of eating disorders.” A predisposition towards eating disorders seems to be tied to certain personality types as well.
When my patients inevitably ask “why me”, my answer is that many factors, either in isolation or in combination, can trigger an eating disorder. Regardless of the cause, eating disorders should be taken very seriously, as they can sometimes be life- threatening. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at 973-313-1691, or email info@maureenkritzerlange.com.
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