Let’s face it: most of us want to look fit and physically attractive. One of the best ways of having a well-toned body that’s both healthy and strong means that we’ll need to work out and go on a “diet.” But in certain situations, overexerting ourselves so that we’ll be able to achieve that long-term goal of having a toned-up or fit body will usually lead to eating disorders.
There’s a common notion that the dieting process causes eating disorders, especially when our bodies undergo drastic changes to accommodate our eating habits. In reality, there are many different causes of eating disorders, and there’s no one main cause to it.
Unlike some diseases caused by infections or physical conditions such as injuries, eating disorders can be more subtle than other ailments. Most individuals may not even see red flags and symptoms unless others point them out for them. Most experts note that the cause of eating disorders is more complicated than it seems, with most having roots in mental, physical, and external factors. No matter what the reason is, this should be addressed.
So what are some of the common causes of eating disorders? What can we do to remedy such risk factors?
Prevalent Causes Of Eating Disorders
Since there’s no one be-all-end-all cause to eating disorders, we must be aware of the reasons for it. Being cognizant of these things can narrow down social, environmental, and physical factors that can influence these disorders.
Social and Peer Pressure
It’s only natural that we are influenced by family members, close friends, and our social circle. Most teenagers going through puberty will need to socially and emotionally develop themselves by interacting with others. However, stress from school and peer pressure can often lead to stress eating and other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
But it’s still important to note that each person will not emotionally develop simultaneously as others. For instance, a woman who might be thin right before hitting puberty can be body-shamed by peers once she gains weight. On the other hand, relatively short boys will get ridiculed by peers that haven’t hit the growth spurt yet. Much of these factors can often lead to disorders in eating.
Besides peer pressure, exposure to popular culture can also warp an individual’s sense of what’s considered attractive and what isn’t. In fact, most individuals go on social media for at least 144 minutes a day, on average. With a good number of the population spending their time on social media, most fashion businesses will often portray models as thin, leading to problems with body image, particularly in women.
History Of Traumatic Events
Another major cause of eating disorders is emotional trauma. In certain situations, eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia can be triggered by intense emotional trauma. These forms of trauma can be caused by bullying or the recent death of a friend or family member. But this is even more prevalent among young adults, and teenagers are known for being more “emotional” and impulsive.
Bullying is widely prevalent in high school and is usually one reason why most teenagers have a distorted sense of body image. This can make them feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about their bodies, which can often lead to anxiety and eating disorders.
Both physical and emotional trauma can have different effects on each individual, depending on their view of life. Some young adults and teenagers turn to drinking and smoking to cope, while others use exercise and more creative activities.
But the best way of addressing eating disorders caused by past trauma is by getting professional help and supervision. Fortunately, there are anorexia treatment centers that can help treat major eating disorders. These centers are known for being staffed by experts in the matter. Having expert advice and counsel can expedite the process of recovery.
Other Medical Conditions
Lastly, there are just some factors that are out of their control. Medical conditions can cause eating disorders. There are some instances where medications can cause individuals to become nauseous, avoid food and drinks.
There are a variety of causes of eating disorders, with some being more complex than others. Most of the time, people with such disorders are not aware of their situation. Identifying the triggers and symptoms of such an eating disorder can help in the treatment process. Like every other health condition, it’s always better to see a doctor or psychiatrist.
