Factors That Contribute to the Development of Eating Disorders
Like other mental health challenges, there are a variety of factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders. While it might feel easy to blame social media (say, TikTok), engagement in certain behaviors, or other mental health struggles, there is no one exact cause. Jennie Griswold is back today to dive into some of the factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders. Take it away, Jennie!
What Factors Contribute to the Development of Eating Disorders?
As mental health awareness becomes more prominent and ED research is on the rise, we are finding that many factors are responsible for the development of eating disorders. Some may argue that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. This is not true at all! Understanding how eating disorders develop is a crucial part of identifying the contributing cause, and helps navigate individualized treatment and recovery.
Eating disorders are caused by an interaction of many different factors, which could include all or just a few of the following:
biological
genetic
behavioral
psychological
social
environmental.
Typically not just one factor acts alone, but they work together to create the perfect storm for eating disorder development.
Genetic and Biological Factors
Research shows that there is a strong genetic link to ED development. In fact, people are more likely to develop an eating disorder if they have a first degree relative who has a history of an ED. Personality traits that can contribute to eating disorders are also inherited through specific genes. These traits include:
perfectionism
emotional instability
obsessive thinking
rigidity
hypersensitivity
impulsivity
avoiding harm [1].
There is still investigation around biological processes that can contribute to EDs. Ghrelin (a brain chemical that signals hunger) and leptin (a brain chemical that signals feelings of satiety) and neurotransmitters that play a role in food digestion may be imbalanced in some who develop an eating disorder. It is also possible for eating disorders to be caused by structural abnormalities in the brain [2].
Psychological Factors
Low self-esteem, difficulty coping with stress, abuse or trauma, and neglect (the loss of control and extreme stress resulting from trauma can force one to take solace in food or restrict), are all psychological risk factors for eating disorder development. Temperament traits can also be responsible, such as obsessive thinking, perfectionism (this is found to be one of the most relevant risk factors), and sensitivity to reward and punishment [2].
Those who have OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) can be at higher risk for developing an eating disorder. There are many links between the two, including:
Intrusive thoughts: those with EDs have intrusive thoughts around food, body size, and exercise. OCD is known for persistent thoughts that are unwanted and cause distress to the individual experiencing them.
Compulsive Behaviors: those with EDs struggle with compulsive behaviors such as excessive exercise, binging and purging, and restricting food intake to control body size. OCD is known for performing repetitive (compulsive) behaviors to alleviate the anxiety caused by an obsession.
Perfectionism and Control
Both EDs and OCD have a strong need to be in control. With EDs, this usually involves controlling food intake and body size. When involved in chaotic situations or when life becomes erratic, security is established in these individuals by micromanaging food and/or exercise to compensate for lack of control.
Other mental health illnesses that often occur in conjunction with an eating disorder include depression and anxiety. About 50-70% of those with an eating disorder also suffer from major depression disorder.
Behavioral Factors
Behavioral changes such as restricting food intake (dieting), engaging in an excessive exercise routine and food binges can result in the formation of further ED behaviors. This is especially true in those who feel a need to control, have unhealthy coping mechanisms, and struggle with compulsive behaviors [1].
Environmental/Social Factors
Societal beauty standards and the pressure to have a certain body type contribute to behaviors that contribute to eating disorder development. Being around those who engage in negative body talk (especially true when mothers talk negatively about their bodies or converse in diet talk around their daughters) is also a risk factor. The normalcy of diet culture is another influence leading to eating disorders. The obsession with numbers (fitness and calorie tracking, macro counting) is a breeding ground for an ED to develop.
Social media is another contributing factor. The constant comparison, watching reels such as “What I Eat in a Day” and “fitness influencers” can all have a negative impact on one’s own body and create feelings of unworthiness compared to others.
Being critiqued about body size and/or bullying can lead to poor body image which can cause one to engage in eating disorder behaviors.
Taking part in a sport or activity that puts a lot of emphasis on body size- this is typically seen in ballet, gymnastics, wrestling, running, and modeling.
Researchers have found that trauma and eating disorders have a strong correlation. A study of young adults in the United States found that those who experienced multiple forms of childhood trauma were almost twice as likely to report disordered eating behaviors compared to those without a history of childhood trauma [3].
It's unclear how exactly trauma can cause an eating disorder to develop, but it's possible that it can be used as a coping mechanism to handle the feelings that arise after a traumatic event (we call EDs ‘Emotional Management Systems’ here at Collab for this very reason). Trauma can also cause or exacerbate symptoms of low self-esteem, perfectionism, poor body image, compulsiveness, impulsiveness, and dissociation which can therefore lead to engaging in disordered eating behaviors [3].
It has been theorized that those who have experienced sexual abuse, experience body dissatisfaction and will use eating disorder behaviors to change their body. Those who have been abused may also have low self-esteem which can lead to binge eating disorder [3].
Trauma and eating disorders may serve to maintain each other. The eating disorder may numb the pain that the trauma caused so that it is not being dealt with effectively [3].
Moving Forward
Eating disorders are complex and usually do not result from one factor alone. Understanding how they develop is important to understanding how to address the underlying cause because as we know, eating disorders are not solely about food and weight. They are used as a coping mechanism for the other issues someone may be struggling with.
Research on this topic is ongoing, but using what we know now is important to leading one who struggles with an eating disorder toward treatment and recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please feel free to reach out to the CCN Team to book a session.
Check out our other posts to learn more about Eating Disorders.
Resources Used:
[1] Eating Disorders: Causes, Symptoms and Recovery. retrieved Sept 26, 2024 from https://www.opsutah.com/eating-disorders-causes-symptoms-and-recovery/
[2] The Causes of an Eating Disorder: a look inside. Retrieved Sept 26, 2024 from https://eatingdisordersolutions.com/the-causes-of-an-eating-disorder-a-look-inside/
[3] Eating Disorders and Trauma. Retrieved Oct 11, 2024 from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/eating-disorders-and-trauma/#:~:text=Researchers%20have%20also%20proposed%20that,engaging%20in%20disordered%20eating%20behaviors.
Collaborative Counseling & Nutrition is an outpatient nutrition and body image counseling center, with locations in Indianapolis and Carmel, that provides compassionate, holistic eating disorder treatment. Through practicing mindfulness, intuition, and Health At Every Size, we are on a mission to help you find a true state of well-being! We take an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach with all our clients and work to help guide you towards a way of healthy living designed by you, just for you! This post is for education purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for treatment for an eating disorder. If you are looking for a registered dietitian or therapist to assist you on your recovery journey, please reach out today!
