Even some health professionals buy into these overly simplistic explanations.
Social stressors, such as peer pressure andbullying, may also be involved.
However, families don’t cause eating disorders in a simple, straightforward manner.
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There are many different pathways to the development of an eating disorder.
A low body mass index (BMI)essentially, underweighthas been identified as a risk factor.
However, anorexia nervosa can still happen in people with a BMI in the normal range.
Identifying actualcausal factorsfor a specific eating disorder is complicated.
Determining whether these factors are present in an individual can be difficult.
Also, the presence of these factors predicts higher risk butdoes not guaranteethe development of an eating disorder.
This research could provide more information about the genetic profile that contributes to eating disorders.
These findings do not imply that there is a single eating disorder gene or even that genescauseeating disorders.
These aspects oftemperamenthave also been linked to several other disorders.
Conversely, not everyone with an eating disorder can identify another family member with one.
Most eating disorder cases are sporadic, with no family history.
Eating disorders arestigmatizeddiseases, and family members often do not share their struggles with their disorder.
Environmental Factors
Much of the earlier research on eating disorders examined environmental risk factors.
As a result, they are frequently blamed for causing eating disorders.
The tripartite model is one model for understanding some of the socio-cultural risk factors for eating disorders.
Idealization and social comparison may lead to poor body image and various forms of disordered eating.
Society and culture influence eating behavior, as well as our concept of ideal body shape.
However, such environmental factors cannot fully account for the presence of eating disorders.
Protective Environmental Factors
Some environmental factors could help protect people from developing eating disorders.
People are starting to practicebody positivity and neutrality.
These changes help create kinder, safer, and likely more protective communities.
Eating disorders are likely the result of a complicated interplay of these factors.
Genetic susceptibility may influence their response to specific stressors.
feels like malnourishment could turn on or off certain genes, which influence the course of the disorder.
However, epigenetic studies of eating disorders are in their infancy.
For example, growing up with warm, nurturing parents could mitigate genes predisposing someone to anxiety.
However, chance and luck also play a role, and individuals vary in their genetic risk.
When someone develops an eating disorder, it’s no one’s fault.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
2002;53(5):1007-1020. doi:10.1016/s0022-3999(02)00499-3
