The Cause of Eating Disorders Essay - 591 Words

The Cause of Eating Disorders Although the causes are many and varied, we know that people with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming. For some, dieting, bingeing and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and a way to feel in control of ones life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a persons physical and emotional health, self-esteem and sense of competence and control. Psychological factors that can contribute to eating disorders include: Low self-esteem. Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life. Depression, anxiety, anger or loneliness. A quest for perfection.†¦show more content†¦Cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance, and not inner qualities and strengths. Scientists are still researching possible biochemical or biological causes of eating disorders. In some individuals with eating disorders, certain chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite and digestion have been found to be imbalanced. The exact meaning and implications of these imbalances remain under investigation. Eating disorders are complex conditions that can arise from a variety of potential causes: physical, emotional, social and familial issues. Once started, they can create a self-perpetuating cycle of physical and emotional destruction. All eating disorders require professional help. All causes need to be addressed for effective prevention and treatment. The earlier an eating disorder is discovered and addressed, the better the chance for recovery. The cultural context for eating disorders 1. Eating disorders are serious and complex problems. We need to be careful to avoid thinking of them in simplistic terms like, anorexia is just a plea for attention or bulimia is just an addiction to food. Eating disorders arise from a variety of physical, emotional, social and family issues, all of which need to be addressed for effective prevention andShow MoreRelatedCauses of Eating Disorders643 Words   |  3 PagesCauses of eating disorders. The things that are contributing greatly to the increase of eating disorders is the media. Many teenagers grow up being influenced by magazines, movies, and models and they think that the only way that society will accept them is if they look exactly like those people. They have the fear of becoming fat and being bullied. These kids are genuinely scared to grow up and have to face body changes. there is also the other part of these disorders. Not all people who have anRead MoreThe Causes of Eating Disorders 1295 Words   |  5 PagesEating disorders have been around for well over a century, and affect tons of people around your neighborhood, town, county, state, or even country that walk, talk, and act just like you. The two big dogs of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, which affect young boys and girls alike that cannot control their feelings when it comes to food. Some decide that food is not their thing, which is known as anorexia; and, some people have a love/hate relationship with food, better knownRead MoreCauses And Consequences Of Eating Disorders1608 Words   |  7 Pages The eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are psychological life threatening disorders that are becoming more common in today’s society. When an eating disorder is developed, the victim is not always aware of the oral consequences he or she will have to endure. This review of research indicates the risks and consequences associated with eating disorders and oral health. Introduction It is estimated that up to 24 million Americans suffer from serious eating disorders suchRead More Cause of Eating Disorders Essays877 Words   |  4 PagesCause of Eating Disorders In America, today we often hear of people who suffer from illness such as cancer, aids etc. what we often don’t hear about is the illness that effects a lot of people each year that being eating disorders. Whenever I hear about eating disorders it remains me of one of my cousin who had suffered from anorexia. It all started when her family and acquaintances started to say that she was fat and chubby. In her family everyone is very slim and tall so her brothersRead More The Causes of Eating Disorders Essay1994 Words   |  8 PagesThe Causes of Eating Disorders There is no single cause for eating disorders. A number of factors, including cultural and family pressures, chemical imbalances, and emotional and personality disorders collaborate to produce both anorexia and bulimia, although each disorder is determined by different combinations of these influences. Genetics may also play a small role. Between 40% to 96% of all eating-disordered patients experience depression and anxiety disorders; depression is also commonRead MoreCauses of Eating Disorders Eating disorders are several types of severe eating illnesses that700 Words   |  3 PagesCauses of Eating Disorders Eating disorders are several types of severe eating illnesses that cause people to maintain focus on only their diet and weight. Some prime examples of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating. Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder where people are so focused on their weight that they refuse to eat or eat as little as possible, bulimia nervosa is similar to anorexia except instead of eating so little people binge eat and then forceRead MoreCauses And Treatments Of Binge Eating Disorder922 Words   |  4 Pagessound fun to you? Life is difficult without having an eating disorder. Growing up eating everything I could get my hands on caused health problems for me now that I am older. Binge eating and anorexia are serious eating disorders that cause physical, behavioral, and psychological problems. The most common disorder is binge eating. Binge eating disorder (BED) is consuming large quantities of food in a short period of time. People find that over eating is a comfort zone for them. The problems AmericansRead MoreCause and Effect Essay on Eating Disorders1551 Words   |  7 PagesThe distinctions between eating disorders can be complex. While anorexia and bulimia may have some issues in common, other factors make them distinct. For parents, trying to understand the differences can be crucial. Early detection and proper treatment significantly improve the chances for a child to recover. Bulimia and anorexia are both very dangerous, and can be life threatening. Both are very common among teens and young adults. Eating disorders are becoming more familiar for this generationRead MoreThe Causes Of Eating Disorders In College Women1444 Words   |  6 PagesEating Disorders in College Women Bingeing. Purging. Calorie counting. Excessive exercising. These are actions that are most commonly associated with eating disorders, which are psychological conditions affecting an individual’s eating habits. Though these conditions can appear in any age or gender group, they tend to be most prevalent in adolescent women. A large population of these young women happen to be college students dealing with problems such as body image issues, food insecurity, andRead MoreEating Disorders Looking Mainly At Their Causes1387 Words   |  6 PagesFor this paper, I chose to focus on eating disorders looking mainly at their causes. Based on personal experience, I feel that these disorders are stereotyped very heavily in our society, and that public awareness of their causes lacking. Growing up I was always very thin, due to a high metabolism and a small bone structure; traits which ran in my family. Many times, people would make fun of me and even call me anorexic. However, I was no t anorexic or bulimic, I was just a thin child, and am still