What is the cause of Anorexia?
The exact cause is not clear. Part of the cause is a fear of getting fat but it is not just as simple as that. Different causes possibly work together to bring on the illness. These may include the following.
- The pressure from society and the media to be 'thin and beautiful' is thought to play a part. This is probably why anorexia is much more common in westernised countries.
- Personality and family environment probably play a role too. People with anorexia often have poor self-esteem (not much self-confidence) and commonly feel that they have to be perfectionists. Often there are disturbed family relationships. For example, about 3 in 10 people with anorexia will have had some form of sexual abuse in their upbringing. All sorts of emotions, feelings and attitudes may contribute to causing anorexia. Developing anorexia may be a way of dealing with complex emotions.
- There may be some genetic factor. We know this from studies of families with identical twins. If one twin has anorexia then the other has a 1 in 2 chance of getting it. This tells us that it has a tendency to run in some families and that the condition may have a genetic part. However, because not every twin gets it there are other factors too.
- Read more: outlook and treatment
More help and advice
- Why normal conversation can influence anorexia
- Tips on battling anorexia
- In-depth info on bulimia
- How to give your child a good body image
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Where to next?
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Outlook and treatment for anorexia nervosa?
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Risk of anorexia could be predicted
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What is the cause of Anorexia?
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Bulimia nervosa
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What are the health risks with anorexia nervosa?
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What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa?
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What are the treatments for Bulimia Nervosa?
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Agoraphobia
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Body dysmorphic disorder
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Depression
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Mental health - the facts
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mathene, about 1 year
i am a student in nursing, i am 29 and i find this subject very interesting for my presentation.I will like to have some more information.Thanks you.
Report this commentFiona, about 1 year
Iam doing a talk, in school. iam 14 and find this subject very intersting.Thanks
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mary smith, about 1 year
thanx 4 ur adie but now i dont no wat 2 eat cause ive done this 4 a year now !i carnt rember wat i like
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