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Why do some people develop eating disorders?
It’s thought that 30 million people of all ages and genders in the U.S. have an eating disorder. Considering eating disorders are so common, you might be curious to know what causes an unhealthy relationship with food. The long and the short answer is both your genetics and societal influences.
“We say that genetics load the gun and environment pulls the trigger,” explains Bonnie Brennan, senior clinical director of adult residential and partial hospital services at Eating Recovery Center in Denver, Colorado. “Genetic predisposition, though not necessary, can play a big part in the risk.”
In fact, a study published in 2017 in the American Journal of Psychiatry shows that in addition to the psychosocial component, biological factors also play an extremely important role in the onset of anorexia nervosa. “More research is needed to determine the prevalence of eating disorders among those of different races and ethnicities, but we do see symptoms of eating disorders across all populations,” says Brennan.
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A big life change can evoke an eating disorder
You might not realize you have a predisposition to anorexia or binge eating (especially if your parents never discussed their struggles with you) until something life-altering or impactful happens to you (aka a trigger). “Those at higher risk may also be struggling with other mental health and substance use problems, stressors, or exposure to activities that emphasize size and weight,” says Brennan. “We also see eating disorders develop in response to life stage changes such as puberty, going to college, mid-life challenges, and loss of relationships.” (Here are 20 secrets addiction counselors desperately want you to know.)
