Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. People living with anorexia often engage in extreme measures like restricting food intake or excessive exercise to control their body weight. Understanding what causes anorexia means looking at biological, psychological, and environmental influences, each contributing in its own way to the development of this eating disorder.

Do Biological Factors Play A Role In Developing Anorexia?

Key biological factors that can be involved in whether someone develops anorexia are:

Genetics

Research suggests that genetic factors are a predisposition for approximately 33-84% of those with anorexia nervosa. Also, according to Healthline, family studies suggest that first-degree relatives of individuals with anorexia nervosa are about ten times more likely to develop the disorder than those without a family history of it.

Brain Structure & Function

Individuals that suffer from anorexia, have deficits in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in eating behavior, reward, impulse control, and mood. 

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones help control things like appetite and metabolism, so when these systems are out of balance, they can play a part in the development of anorexia nervosa. For example, individuals with anorexia may have altered levels of hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which influence hunger and satiety.

Psychological Factors

Psychological characteristics often act as significant triggers or contributors to anorexia. Examples of these include:

Perfectionism & Anxiety

Many people with anorexia have personality traits like obsessiveness and an intense need to control or achieve, causing perfectionistic tendencies. For instance, an individual may feel powerless in all aspects of their life, so they turn to food and weight management as a way to feel in control of something. People who internalize high levels of self-criticism often view their self-worth as dependent upon achieving an “ideal” body standard, further feeding disordered eating behaviors that intertwine with body dysmorphic disorder.

Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is a common factor in those that have anorexia nervosa. Many people with anorexia struggle with a deep sense of inadequacy or feeling like they’re not “good enough.” This can stem from a variety of sources such as childhood experiences, societal pressures, perfectionism, or negative self-image. Over time, eating behaviors become tied to their identity and self-esteem, making it even harder to break the cycle. Helping someone with anorexia often involves addressing not just their eating habits, but also the deeper emotional struggles and distorted beliefs they hold about themselves.

Coping Mechanism

Anorexia often develops as a coping mechanism, giving individuals a sense of control or relief from overwhelming emotions, anxiety, or low self-worth when other parts of life feel chaotic or unmanageable. The act of controlling their body or food intake may offer a sense of order or predictability in a world that can otherwise feel out of control. It can also provide a temporary feeling of accomplishment or self-worth, especially for those who tie their value to appearance or achievement. Unfortunately, while these behaviors may bring short-term relief, they often deepen emotional distress over time and create a dangerous cycle that’s difficult to break without support. Addressing anorexia as a coping strategy means looking beyond food and weight to understand the emotional pain driving this behavior.

How Does Society & The Media Can Exacerbate Anorexia?

Societal beauty standards, amplified by mainstream and social media play a big role in shaping perceptions of body image. From an early age, many are inundated with images of ultra-thin models and influencers portraying unrealistic ideals of beauty. This constant exposure can create an aspirational, yet unattainable goal for physical appearance. The proliferation of “diet culture,” which glorifies weight loss and associates thinness with success and discipline can further pressure individuals to adopt unhealthy behaviors like food restriction.

What Environmental Factors Cause Anorexia?

Environmental and familial factors also contribute to someone developing anorexia. For example, family dynamics that include over-criticism, high expectations, or chaotic home environments can become stressors that heighten unhealthy coping mechanisms. Other experiences such as bullying, abuse, or loss can trigger someone to develop anorexia. 

Peer pressure and cultural influences can also contribute to someone developing anorexia by creating unrealistic expectations around body image and appearance. When people constantly hear messages that equate thinness with beauty, success, or acceptance, they may feel pressured to conform to those ideals. Friends, social groups, and media can reinforce these standards, making individuals more likely to adopt extreme dieting or unhealthy behaviors to fit in or gain approval. In some cultures, thinness is heavily equated with beauty and success, creating an added layer of societal pressure to conform to specific body ideals. Together, these outside influences can push a vulnerable individual toward anorexia.

How To Get Treatment For Anorexia?

Anorexia is a complex and serious condition, but recovery is possible. Getting treatment for anorexia involves addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. Contact our clinic in East Cobb, GA, to start your healing journey.