Causes and risk factors of eating disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses. Therefore, they tend to not have one specific cause, but rather are the result of a combination of different causes and risk factors.
Causes
Causes of eating disorders can include:
Furthermore, eating disorders can often occur at the same time as other mental health conditions. Such conditions can exacerbate an eating disorder and vice versa. The stigma surrounding some other mental health conditions can make it even more difficult to access treatment. Conditions that commonly occur at the same time as an eating disorder include:
Risk factors
Being Neurodivergent can also contribute to developing an eating disorder. Autistic people make up a significant amount of those diagnosed with ARFID and research also suggests that 20-30% of people with Anorexia are autistic. Having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may also contribute to developing an eating disorder.
People with Type-1 diabetes may also be more at risk of an eating disorder. This is because much of their life revolves around controlling food intake. People with type-1 diabetes may also feel like their body is outwith their control and therefore develop an eating disorder in an attempt to feel in control for once. If you have type 1 diabetes and think you may have an eating disorder, it is really important to tell your GP or a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Being pregnant can also make someone more at risk for developing an eating disorder. The changes someone’s body goes through during pregnancy can be a very difficult time. Pregnant people can sometimes begin to feel the changes to their body are outwith their control and therefore they develop an eating disorder. Changes in food appetite during pregnancy can also lead to development of disordered eating or an eating disorder. If you are pregnant and think you may have an eating disorder, it is really important to tell your Midwife, GP or other medical professional.