top of page
Writer's pictureBecky

The Causes of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions with multifaceted causes. They typically result from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders:


  1. Genetic and Biological Factors:

  • Genetics: There is evidence to suggest that certain genetic factors may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. Individuals with a family history of eating disorders may be more predisposed to them.

  • Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) like serotonin may play a role in the development of eating disorders.

  • Hormonal factors: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly those related to puberty, can influence an individual's susceptibility to eating disorders.

  1. Psychological Factors:

  • Low self-esteem: People with low self-esteem may be more vulnerable to developing eating disorders as they seek to gain a sense of control and self-worth through their eating habits and body image.

  • Perfectionism: High levels of perfectionism and the desire for control can lead to rigid and unhealthy eating behaviors.

  • Body dissatisfaction: An obsession with achieving a particular body shape or size can lead to disordered eating patterns.

  1. Environmental and Sociocultural Factors:

  • Peer pressure: Social influences, such as peer pressure to conform to certain body ideals or dieting trends, can contribute to the development of eating disorders.

  • Media and societal pressures: Images and messages in the media and society that promote unrealistic beauty standards and glorify thinness can play a significant role in the development of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.

  • Family dynamics: Dysfunctional family dynamics, including a history of weight-related teasing, criticism, or overly controlling behaviours, can contribute to eating disorders.

  • Trauma or abuse: Individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse may use disordered eating as a coping mechanism.

  1. Dieting and Weight-Related Behaviours:

  • Dieting: Restrictive dieting and extreme weight loss behaviours can increase the risk of developing eating disorders, especially in vulnerable individuals.

  • Weight cycling: Repeated cycles of weight loss and regain (yo-yo dieting) can contribute to disordered eating patterns.


As a result of these causes, this leads to a belief system and fear that you will put on ‘excessive, catastrophic, immediate weight gain’ and here is a handy diagram of that process and how the ED is maintained:




If you are struggling with eating issues, diagnosed or not, I would love to be able to support you in your recovery. Feel free to book an intro call with me and we can discuss what support you need.

Comments


bottom of page