The Cause of Eating Disorders
Although the causes are many and varied, we know that people with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming. For some, dieting, bingeing and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and a way to feel in control of one's life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a person's physical and emotional health, self-esteem and sense of competence and control.
Psychological factors that can contribute to eating disorders include:
Low self-esteem.
Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life.
Depression, anxiety, anger or loneliness.
A quest for perfection.
Interpersonal factors that can contribute to eating disorders include:
Troubled family and personal relationships.
Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings.
A history of being teased or ridiculed based on size, weight or appearance.
A history of physical or sexual abuse.
A history of being lauded based on size, weight or appeara...
