Eating disorders occur when a person’s attitude about food, weight and body size lead to very rigid eating and exercise habits that jeopardize one’s health.
Death rates for eating disorders are among the highest for any mental illness. More than 90 percent of those who have eating disorders are women. Many of these women start to have an eating disorder while in their teens, especially around the time of puberty when there are so many changes going on in their bodies.
The longer this illness is left untreated the harder it becomes to treat. Some factors that can contribute to eating disorders include:
Psychological factors:
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of lack of control in life
- Depression, anxiety, anger or loneliness
- Strong need to please others
Interpersonal factors:
- Troubled family and personal relationships
- Difficulty expressing emotions or feeling
- History of being teased about size or weight
- History of physical or sexual abuse
Social factors:
- Cultural pressures that glorify “thinness” and the perfect body
- Cultural norm valuing people by their appearance
Other factors:
- Possible biochemical or biological reasons
- Family history of eating disorders
