What are the causes of eating disorders?

We do not know exactly why someone develops an eating disorder. There is not one single cause. It seems to be a combination of factors, which can include:
•your personality
•your culture
•your family life
•things that have happened to you or that you have seen
•feeling that you need to act on impulse
•feeling that you need to achieve perfection
•physical or genetic factors.

Some people believe that eating disorders are a direct result of the pressure from media and fashion to be thin. Whilst this kind of pressure can play a part in dieting behaviours, there are more complicated issues that could cause you to lose control of your eating behaviours.

Bulimia and other eating disorders are not helpful ways of coping with problems. If you are feeling this way, you may need support to recover.

You can find out more about getting help for your mental health here.

Causes of Anorexia

Causes of Bulimia

Causes of Anorexia

If you have anorexia, your obsession with weight loss may be because you believe that your value as a person depends on your weight and body shape. This can lead you to experience an intense fear of being overweight and eating that most people do not experience, even when dieting.

Anorexia stems from some emotional need, which could be lack of stability in your current relationships, anxiety about growing up or experiencing body change, or trying to cope with something traumatic such as sexual abuse. You can develop anorexia even if you have a very supportive family, partner or friends, so it’s important to remember that it is no one’s fault.

Causes of Bulimia

You may develop bulimia because you need an emotional release for a range of issues, such as experiencing physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or problems with family or other relationships. It might be that there isn’t an obvious reason but you still need an emotional outlet.