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Eating Disorders: Facts About Eating Disorders and the Search for Solutions Eating is controlled by many factors, including appetite, food availability, family, peer, and... |
Eating Disorders and Pregnancy Eating disorders are difficult and complex conditions that can be difficult to treat. The problems... |
Obesity & it's relationship to Anoraxia, Bulimia and other eating disorders. Obesity is a disease that affects approximately 60 million people in the United States, and women... |
Factors that May Contribute to Eating Disorders |
Current Info on Eating Disorders |
Eating Disorders
Factors that May Contribute to Eating Disorders nfortunately, eating disorders represent a range of complex afflictions that can difficult to understand. In fact, health professionals today do not have a complete understanding of eating disorders. Why? Eating disorders are unique because they touch on almost all aspects of an individual's life: they can affect a person's health, psychological wellbeing, and social life. Most health professionals agree that eating disorders are caused by a combination of socio-cultural, biological, family, and interpersonal factors. Here is a brief overview of these different factors that health professionals suspect may be responsible for the onset of an eating disorder in some individuals. Remember, every patient is different, so many of these factors may not come into play for some individuals with eating disorders.
Socio-cultural factors that may precipitate the onset of an eating disorder has to do with the media images presented to the public regarding beauty, health, and weight issues. Even the casual observer can find evidence for the fact that our media culture is obsessed with physical appearance, and issues such as weight loss, slowing the aging process, and the general pursuit of physical perfection. Of course, such perfection is impossible, and very many people are not able to achieve the rail-thin standards that are promoted in the media and popular culture. These socio-cultural factors, some experts suggest, may provide the impetus for some individuals who develop eating disorders. Biological factors that may be responsible for the onset of an eating disorder include a genetic predisposition to certain hormonal imbalances. These include a predisposition to an imbalance in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in brain function, sleep patterns, and mood. Another biological factor that researchers have identified as possibly contributing to the onset of an eating disorder is a propensity in some patients for reduced blood flow to the temporal lobe. Interpersonal and family factors may also contribute to the onset of an eating disorder. Interpersonal and family factors may include a troubled personal life, including an inability to cope effectively with feelings and personal relationships, a difficulty expressing emotions, substance abuse or alcohol problems, and low self-esteem due to bullying or teasing. A troubled family life can also contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Families that are overcritical or put pressure on certain family members to lose weight can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Also, children often mirror their parent's unhealthy patterns. Parents who magnify the importance of their physical appearance may be unconsciously sending an unhealthy message to their kids. Also, researchers have found that families with a history of sexual or physical abuse may also be more prone to developing eating disorders. Other individual factors that can contribute to the development of an eating disorder may include depression, anxiety, and issues related to self-esteem. Also, researchers have found that major life changes can greatly contribute to the onset of eating disorders. Death in the family, change in employment, moving, starting college, the end of a relationship-all of these can trigger the onset of an eating disorder if a person is vulnerable. ### While the articles on this Website were written with great care, errors or omissions may occur. The information is provided "as-is", without any warranty whether expressed or implied. All readers agree to use the information provided on this site entirely at their own risk. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition whatsoever - including eating disorders. If you suspect you or someone you know has an eating disorder, always seek the advice of a professional medical doctor. Eating Disorder Symptoms in the News02/06/2012UV Flu Technologies Continues Aggressive Program to Pay off Convertible Debt CENTERVILLE, Mass., Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UV Flu Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: UVFTD.OB - News) (the "Company") is pleased to announce it is ahead of schedule in its continuing program to eliminate ... UV Flu Technologies Continues Aggressive Program to Pay off Convertible Debt 02/06/2012 Bird Flu Debate Rages On Publishing new research on bird flu will expand the scientific community's understanding of a potentially dangerous influenza strain -- but it could also serve as a blueprint for terrorists. Bird Flu Debate Rages On 02/06/2012 Flu Cases Down in Laramie County Doctors and nurses have not been as busy treating the flu this year as in past years, but that doesn't mean your risk of getting the flu this season is over. The Wyoming Department of Health considers flu season to be from October through May. But when the peak of flu season hits can often vary. Flu Cases Down in Laramie County 02/06/2012 Learn proper flu etiquette Don't laugh but there is a socially proper way to have the flu. And Anna Post, great-great-granddaughter of the doyen of proper etiquette, Emily Post, has put together the flu etiquette ground rules. Learn proper flu etiquette 02/01/2012 Mexico health sec: Swine flu way up after low year Swine flu is back in Mexico, the epicenter of a world pandemic three years ago that panicked people around the globe.The country registered more cases of all types of flu and more incidents of the H1N1 ... Mexico health sec: Swine flu way up after low year Eating Disorders (Home) | Eating Disorders Sitemap
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ating disorders include complusive overeating (eating excessively) or eating far too little (overly restrictive eating) or any other compulsion to eat in a manner that upsets or threatens physical health. Eating disorders that are continued over time may have severe consequences on a person's health, including death.