Causes

No single factor causes an eating disorder. Often a combination of issues can lead to a problem. Researchers believe genes might make some people more vulnerable. An imbalance of brain chemicals such as ones that control hunger, appetite and digestion may play a role.

Contributing factors can include:

• Low self esteem.
• Feeling a lack of control about life.
• Mental illness such as depression.
• Overwhelming feelings of anxiety, anger or loneliness.
• Troubled family and personal life.
• Family pressures to be thin.
• Difficulty expressing emotion.
• Being teased about size or weight.
• History of physical or sexual abuse.

Cultural issues probably account for the increase in eating disorders because children, teens and adults spend so much time exposed to television, movies, magazines and commercials. They are bombarded with messages saying thinner is better. American culture values thinness as the ideal and bases people's importance on their body size rather than focusing on their inner strength and qualities.

More on Eating Disorders

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.