What causes anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is one of the more well-known eating disorders, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood (as do most eating disorders). Anorexia is a complex psychological and physical condition driven by various factors that go far beyond food and weight.
Biological Factors
One of the first things to understand about anorexia nervosa is that biology often plays a role. Research suggests that genetics may contribute to the development of anorexia, meaning that people with a family history of eating disorders are more likely to struggle with it themselves. In fact, studies have shown that certain genes related to mood, anxiety, and body weight regulation could make individuals more susceptible.
Psychological Factors
While biology plays a part, psychological factors are often at the core of anorexia nervosa. Many people with anorexia tend to be perfectionists, holding themselves to unrealistically high standards in every aspect of life—whether it’s school, work, or physical appearance. This desire for control can spiral into unhealthy patterns, especially when combined with anxiety or low self-esteem.
Social and Cultural Pressures
We can’t talk about anorexia without acknowledging the influence of society and culture. In many parts of the world, particularly in Western countries, there is an overwhelming emphasis on thinness as an ideal standard of beauty. Social media, fashion magazines, and television all contribute to the pressure to look a certain way, making people feel that they need to be thin to be attractive or successful.
The rise of social media has only intensified this pressure. Platforms like Instagram or TikTok showcase highly edited images of seemingly “perfect” bodies, which can exacerbate body dissatisfaction. For someone predisposed to an eating disorder, these platforms can act as a trigger, fueling unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
Environmental Triggers
While some people may be more vulnerable to developing anorexia because of their biology or psychological makeup, environmental stressors often act as the final push. Events like a traumatic experience, bullying, or even a significant life change—such as starting college or going through a breakup—can cause someone to seek control over their life through food restriction.
For many, anorexia becomes a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. By controlling their body and their food intake, individuals may feel a sense of order in a world that feels chaotic or uncertain. Over time, however, this form of control can become obsessive and self-destructive.
The Role of Family Dynamics
Family environments can also influence the development of anorexia. While it’s important to note that no family “causes” an eating disorder, certain dynamics can create an environment where the disorder is more likely to develop. For example, families that emphasize achievement and success—or where weight and appearance are frequently discussed—can unknowingly contribute to the pressure a person feels about their body.
On the other hand, in families where emotions are suppressed or ignored, anorexia may emerge as a way for an individual to express their distress or regain a sense of identity. People with anorexia often describe feeling invisible or misunderstood, and their eating disorder becomes a way to communicate their inner pain without using words.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Anorexia nervosa rarely exists in isolation. Many people with anorexia also struggle with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, anorexia is often a symptom of deeper emotional struggles that need to be addressed in treatment.
People with OCD, for example, may become fixated on calorie counting or exercise routines, which can worsen their eating disorder. Similarly, someone with depression might use food restriction as a way to numb their emotional pain or regain a sense of control.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Disorder
The causes of anorexia nervosa are multifaceted and involve a complex interaction of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. No single cause can fully explain why someone develops anorexia, but understanding these various influences helps us approach the disorder with more empathy and insight.
Treatment for anorexia is just as complex as its causes, often requiring a combination of medical, psychological, and nutritional support. Recovery is possible, but it takes time, patience, and professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling with anorexia, reaching out for support is the first step toward healing.
Our devoted team of nutrition experts specializing in eating disorders is dedicated to guiding clients toward a journey of healing that transcends fear and shame. By addressing concerns around food and dismantling negative body image perceptions and behaviors, we empower clients to reclaim ownership of their relationships with food and body and to shift their outlook, beliefs, and behaviors towards love, respect, and acceptance. This transformation paves the way for sustainable recovery and lasting wellbeing. Together, we strive to eradicate feelings of shame related to food and body image, identify triggers that fuel self-doubt, and nurture a trusting relationship with both food and body, creating space for our authentic selves and true values to emerge and thrive.
Recognizing that each individual holds the key to their own healing journey, our diverse team of medical nutrition specialists facilitates a process of self-exploration and empowerment. Recovery from an eating disorder and disorder eating extends beyond overcoming the eating disorder; it involves cultivating a rich and empowered life through healing around food and body image.