Causes

Food is not the problem. There is something else wrong, and resisting food is a way to deal with it. Yes, many anorexics start out just wanting to lose weight, but there also is another issue, or one becomes present before they really start showing serious signs of a disorder. Some people are more prone to eating disorders and anorexia than others, but it can happen to anyone.

Possible Causes:

• genetics
• abnormal levels of brain chemicals
• wanting control, making up for lack of control in other areas
• wanting to be perfect
• needing alleviation from pain and suffering and blocking out feeling and emotions
• needing self identity
• overprotective families
• loneliness
• parents who over value physical appearance
• parents with high expectations
• peer pressure
• wanting to look good for someone/something else- “If I was thin, it would all be perfect”
• media influences
• sudden changes
• devastating events, i.e. rape, abuse
• critical comments from people that matter
• fear of looking different, wanting to fit in
• dieting
• wanting to go back to one’s childhood size, when life was easier
• not being touched, caressed, and comforted as a child
• athletic pressures
  • - coaches advice to lose weight
  • - sports with revealing clothing
  • - appearance sports where looking good matters
  • - sports with weight specifications/categories
  • - competition among team members to weigh the least

Personality
Behavior
Media Effects
Treatment
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