The Surprising Differences & Similarities Of Eating Disorders

Causes & Risk Factors Of Eating Disorders

The exact causes for anorexia and bulimia are unknown, however, there are many factors that can play a significant part in an eating disorder's development, including emotional and mental health, biology, societal expectations, peer pressure, and other issues. Specifically, anorexia is associated with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, anxiety, or a need for perfectionism, which can lead to individuals developing it. Risk factors increasing an individual’s chance of developing an eating disorder include being female, as females are more than likely to develop one compared to males, age usually in the late teens into early adulthood, biology with a possible serotonin deficiency, relatives with an eating disorder, or being overweight as a child. Other factors include psychological and emotional issues such as anxiety, stress, low self-esteem or traumatic events, media and societal pressure found on television shows, movies, in music, and in magazines relaying the message that thinness equals success and popularity, and sports, work or artistic pressures associated with better performance.

Continue reading to reveal the signs and symptoms of anorexia and bulimia.