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What Causes Eating Disorders?

No one is really sure what causes eating disorders, although there are many theories about why people develop them. Many people who develop an eating disorder are between 13 and 17 years old. This is a time of emotional and physical changes, academic pressures, and a greater degree of peer pressure. Although there is a sense of greater independence during the teen years, teens might feel that they are not in control of their personal freedom and, sometimes, of their bodies. This can be especially true during puberty.

Effects of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious medical illnesses. They often go along with other problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use. People with eating disorders also can have serious physical health problems, such as heart conditions or kidney failure. People who weigh at least 15% less than the normal weight for their height may not have enough body fat to keep their organs and other body parts healthy. In severe cases, eating disorders can lead to severe malnutrition and even death.

With anorexia, the body goes into starvation mode, and the lack of nutrition can affect the body in many ways:

1. a drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate
   
2. hair loss and fingernail breakage
   
3. loss of periods lanugo hair — a soft hair that can grow all over the skin
   
4. lightheadedness and inability to concentrate
   
5. anemia
   
6. swollen joints
   
7. brittle bones

With bulimia, constant vomiting and lack of nutrients can cause these problems:

• constant stomach pain
  
• damage to a person's stomach and kidneys
  
• tooth decay (from exposure to stomach acids)
  
• "chipmunk cheeks," when the salivary glands permanently expand from throwing up so often
  
• loss of periods
  
• loss of the mineral potassium (this can contribute to heart problems and even death)

Treatment for Eating Disorders

Fortunately, people with eating disorders can get well and gradually learn to eat normally again. Eating disorders involve both the mind and body. So medical doctors, mental health professionals, and dietitians will often be involved in a person's treatment and recovery.

Therapy or counseling is a critical part of treating eating disorders — in many cases, family therapy is one of the keys to eating healthily again. Parents and other family members are important in helping a person see that his or her normal body shape is perfectly fine and that being excessively thin can be dangerous.

If you want to talk to someone about eating disorders and you don't feel as though you can approach a parent, try talking to a teacher, a neighbor, your doctor, or another trusted adult. Remember that eating disorders are very common among teens. Treatment options depend on each person and their families, but many options are available to help you overcome an eating disorder. Therapy can help you feel in charge again and learn to like your body, just as it is.

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Information obtained from SAMHSA Definitions come from the ANRED site:

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