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What are The Causes of Eating Disorders?

People who have eating disorders use food to feel in control of their everyday life. Many also have irregular eating habits which are a direct result of some unresolved emotional issue. While eating makes them feel in control, it may ultimately lead to the need for eating disorder help. The major ailments which lead people into eating disorder clinics are Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating. This can inflict considerable damage to a person's physical and emotional well-being.  Eating disorders typically have to do with food and weight, but more than often the underlying cause can be traced to a psychological affliction. There are various causes of eating disorders that can trigger eating disorder warning signs that should not go ignored. These causes include but are not limited to biological, psychological, and social factors. Eating disorders are common among us. Visible symptoms can go unnoticed for quite some time and if they are left untreated, it can have long-lasting physical and emotional effects.  There are several causes of eating disorders which include the following:  Biological factors: As determined by studies, genetic factors have accounted for 56 % of the risk of developing eating disorders. This is especially true for anorexia. Research is still on for bulimia and binge eating issues. Temperament also determines success from eating disorder treatment. People with certain personality types such as obsessive compulsive or sensitive avoidant are apparently more prone to eating disorders. The symptoms or the actions of a person while suffering from eating disorders such as purging, starving, binging etc can also alter brain chemicals which prolongs the duration of the disorder. Eating may satisfy the brain's emotional needs especially with comfort foods, or foods with high sugar content.  Psychological factors: Perfectionists are more prone to eating disorders. They usually have unrealistic expectations of themselves and often have feelings of inadequacy. Others still become prone to eating disorders by irregular use of food in a bid to gain “control” of their life. They also often lack a sense of identity and are also unable to express their emotions freely. This non-expression often makes them turn to food either by starving themselves of it or by over indulging in it. Then of course, there is the body image factor. People with poor body images often go on a starvation diet to become as thin as the models seen everywhere these days. Losing considerable amounts of weight boosts the body image but does nothing for the health.  Social factors: Most people with eating disorders have some issue with their families. The issues may range from feelings of abandonment to feelings of being smothered. Parents who over value physical appearance may have predisposed there children to risks of eating disorders. Patterns however can be spotted during infancy. This may include odd feeding routines, using food as rewards and concern about children's weight, amongst others. Nagging about junk food or trying to prohibit certain foods for children may also make them crave more for it. These behaviors can trigger severe eating disorders later in life.  There are other causes of eating disorders such as cultural and media factors which can trigger symptoms. The trick is to recognize signs and get treatment before the disease becomes truly unmanageable. The best option is to seek professional help as early as possible. Eating disorder treatment centers will ensure complete recovery and establish a well-balanced diet.

Tony Shipp owns and operates http://www.eatingdisorderclinicsinfo.com Eating Disorder Clinics


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