It is not known what causes some people to develop anorexia. As with many diseases, is probably a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural.
Organic. Some people may be genetically more vulnerable to developing anorexia. Young women with a sister or biological mother of a eating disorder are at greater risk, for example, suggesting a possible genetic link. Twin studies also support this idea. However, it is unclear how genetics can play a particular role, but researchers found a region on chromosome 1 appears to be associated with increased susceptibility to anorexia nervosa.
It 'also possible that some people have a genetic tendency toward perfectionism, sensitivity and perseverance, all traits associated with anorexia. There is also some evidence that serotonin - a brain chemical involved in depression - may play an important role in anorexia nervosa.
Psychological. People with anorexia may have psychological and emotional characteristics that contribute to anorexia. They may have low self-esteem, for example. They may have features of obsessive-compulsive personality that make it easier to stick to a strict diet and give up food, despite being hungry. They may have a hard extreme perfectionism, which means they can never think that they are thin enough.
Socio-cultural. Modern Western culture often cultivates and reinforces the desire for thinness. The media is splashed with images of thin models and actresses. Success and worth are often equated with thinness. Peer pressure may fuel the desire to be thin, particularly among girls. However there was anorexia and other eating disorders centuries ago, suggests that socio-cultural values are not solely responsible.
Organic. Some people may be genetically more vulnerable to developing anorexia. Young women with a sister or biological mother of a eating disorder are at greater risk, for example, suggesting a possible genetic link. Twin studies also support this idea. However, it is unclear how genetics can play a particular role, but researchers found a region on chromosome 1 appears to be associated with increased susceptibility to anorexia nervosa.
It 'also possible that some people have a genetic tendency toward perfectionism, sensitivity and perseverance, all traits associated with anorexia. There is also some evidence that serotonin - a brain chemical involved in depression - may play an important role in anorexia nervosa.
Psychological. People with anorexia may have psychological and emotional characteristics that contribute to anorexia. They may have low self-esteem, for example. They may have features of obsessive-compulsive personality that make it easier to stick to a strict diet and give up food, despite being hungry. They may have a hard extreme perfectionism, which means they can never think that they are thin enough.
Socio-cultural. Modern Western culture often cultivates and reinforces the desire for thinness. The media is splashed with images of thin models and actresses. Success and worth are often equated with thinness. Peer pressure may fuel the desire to be thin, particularly among girls. However there was anorexia and other eating disorders centuries ago, suggests that socio-cultural values are not solely responsible.
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