Working Well - Eating Disorders

Business login area

Eating Disorders

In spite of research and numerous publications over the past decade, there remains uncertainty about the exact causes of eating disorders. To date, evidence exists in support of a variety of risk factors that may contribute to the development of an eating disorder. The cause and influence of certain risk factors will differ from one person to another.

Psychological Factors
It is possible that feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, self-criticism, feelings of inadequacy, perfectionism, the need to achieve highly and to seek other people’s approval can make people vulnerable to developing an eating disorder.

Socio Cultural Factors
There is substantial pressure on women within western society to conform to the ideal of the ‘waif’ look. Thinness is highly valued in our society. The beauty and fashion industries constantly persuade women to think that there is only one acceptable body image, despite the fact that the majority of women are not healthy at this size. The ‘muscle man’ image from cinema and magazines also influences boys to feel they need to build up their muscles to be attractive to women and to feel better about themselves.

Personal Factors
Often changes in life circumstances such as the breakdown of a relationship, changes in adolescence or having been the victim of child abuse or rape can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. An eating disorder may be the person’s subconscious attempt to exert control over their life, when external things seem uncontrollable. Some people have speculated that Anorexia Nervosa is an attempt to avoid the physical changes associated with adulthood, particularly those related to sexuality. People with eating disorders are individuals and causes may be very specific to each person diagnosed.

Biological Factors
Some research suggests that hormonal or chemical imbalances in the body can play a role in developing an eating disorder. Depression is commonly diagnosed as well as the eating disorder and anti-depressant medication may be useful.

Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa is a complex psychological eating disorder characterised by severe amounts of weight loss due to self-imposed starvation in an endless pursuit of thinness. To live with an eating disorder like Anorexia Nervosa, is to live in constant fear of becoming fat.

Read more ...

Bulimia is a psychological disorder characterised by uncontrollable consumption of large amounts of food. The binge eating is often followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse to counter the excess food ingested.