What causes eating disorders?

Eating disorders are a category of mental health conditions that affect people’s eating behaviors, body image, and attitudes toward food. For example, anorexia nervosa causes people to limit the amount of food they eat, while binge eating disorder triggers chronic and compulsive overeating. And while it may seem like people choose these behaviors, it’s important to clarify that eating disorders are complex health conditions and not deliberate choices. 

Like with other medical conditions, understanding the potential causes and risk factors of an eating disorder is key to symptom management and recovery. Research suggests eating disorders are likely caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental risk factors. There are internal factors, like a family history of eating disorders, as well as external factors, like cultural influences and adverse life experiences. 

Biological causes of eating disorders

Genetic and biological factors top the list of potential causes of eating disorders. 

Family history

Family and twin studies suggest a possible genetic predisposition to eating disorders. This means people with a family history of eating disorders may be more likely to develop an eating disorder. For example, one study found that you’re seven to 12 times more likely to develop anorexia or bulimia if you have a relative with an eating disorder.

Serotonin levels

Additional research suggests changes to your levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps control appetite, may contribute to eating disorders or disordered eating.

Psychological causes of eating disorders

Psychological influences, like mental well-being and personality traits, can also affect people’s eating behaviors and attitudes toward food.

Mental health conditions

Having another mental health condition may create an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. Research finds a strong link between eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression. People with a history of trauma and abuse may also develop eating disorders as a way to subconsciously regain a sense of control after traumatizing experiences. 

Personality 

Impulsiveness, low self-esteem, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies are all personality traits that influence the development of eating disorders. Perfectionist tendencies, like self-criticism and fear of failure, may also contribute to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. 

Emotional dysregulation

People who have trouble managing their emotional responses may be more likely to experience an eating disorder. When you’re not equipped with healthy strategies to cope with stress or manage negative emotions, there’s a greater chance of resorting to harmful behaviors like binge eating.

Environmental causes of eating disorders

Research suggests several social and behavioral factors may play a role in developing an eating disorder. 

Interests and career

Participating in activities that focus on body shape and size, like ballet and wrestling, can increase your risk of eating disorders. Professions that promote being thin may also lead to eating disorders. For example, data suggests that approximately 40% of models engage in disordered eating. 

Societal pressure

It’s easy to see how society’s obsession with dieting, weight loss, and body image may contribute to unhealthy habits and ideals around weight and food. The influence of social media platforms in particular has been linked to disordered eating, negative body image, and overall worse mental health. 

Parental influence  

Family and friends can also influence the development of an eating disorder. Growing up with parents or caregivers who model unhealthy eating behaviors, like constant dieting, can lead to other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) and other harmful behaviors. Being criticized about your weight, body shape, or eating habits can also affect the way you think about and act around food. 

What factors contribute to eating disorders in teens?

Anyone can have body image and weight concerns, but teenagers and young adults may be particularly vulnerable due to bullying, peer pressure, and their changing bodies. Recent global data found that 22% of youth ages six to 18 years show signs of disordered eating, which may develop into eating disorders or other mental health concerns. In the U.S., the number of teens with eating disorders significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychological factors, like low self-esteem and poor body image, are thought to make teens more likely to develop an eating disorder. Other risk factors include:

• Physical changes to their bodies due to puberty and hormones
• Bullying or discrimination because of weight
• Peer pressure to look a certain way 
• Social media influences
• Loneliness or social isolation 

Find care with Rula

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, know that you’re not alone. Around 9% of Americans — nearly 29 million people — will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. And regardless of what caused your eating disorder, recovery is possible with access to the right treatment and a strong support team.

At Rula, we connect you with a therapist who accepts your insurance so you can get the help you need. With our easy-to-use therapist-matching program, you can find the right provider for your needs in less than 30 seconds and begin treatment as soon as tomorrow. And if medication management is part of your treatment plan, we can connect you with a psychiatrist to find the right solution for you.

Find a therapist with Rula