For a long time, eating disorders were dismissed and downplayed as a sign of
vanity, or a psychological failing. However with more research understanding of eating disorders is constantly evolving and it is now understood and accepted that eating disorders are complex, serious mental illnesses, and the question of whether they are biological or psychological, a simple either/or.
Eating disorders don’t have to be purely biological nor purely psychological; they can be a complex mix of biological, psychological, and also (with the never ending pressure from society to fit a narrative of the perfect body), social factors.
Biology – Physiology
Nature Research has increasingly highlighted the significant role of biological factors in the development of eating disorders. This isn’t about a single eating disorder gene but rather a predisposition that can make someone more vulnerable. Research continues in this area but below are some of the things research tell us so far.
Genetics: Evidence shows that eating disorders run in families. If a close relative (parent, sibling) has an eating disorder, your risk is significantly higher. Twin studies, in particular, show that identical twins (who share almost all their genes) are far more likely to both develop an eating disorder than fraternal twins (who share about half), suggesting a genetic component. These genes might influence:
Temperament and Personality Traits: Traits like perfectionism, anxiety, emotional
dysregulation, and rigid thinking are often seen in individuals with eating disorders and can have a genetic basis.
Brain Chemistry and Structure: Differences in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, appetite, and reward, have been observed in people with eating disorders. Brain imaging studies also show variations in areas related to impulse control, emotion, and body perception.
Metabolic Differences: Some research suggests that individuals prone to eating disorders might have unique metabolic responses to food restriction or weight loss, making them more susceptible to the cycle of disordered eating.
Puberty: The hormonal and developmental changes during puberty can be a critical window for the onset of eating disorders, especially for those with a biologicalpredisposition.
Psychology – Nurture
While your biology may make you more susceptible to an eating disorder, it can be that psychological factors are what contribute to the development of an full blown eating disorder and will shape you respond to their environment and internal experiences.
Beyond a genetic predisposition, specific psychological/personality traits can increase vulnerability. These include:
Perfectionism: An relentless drive for flawlessness and an intense fear of making mistakes.
Low Self-Esteem: A profound sense of inadequacy and self-worth often tied to external validation.
Body Image Dissatisfaction: A distorted perception of your body and intense negative feelings about it.
Anxiety and Depression: This is common in people who suffer with an eating disorder and it can be something that leads to, or something they experience alongside an eating disorder, so can be both a risk factor and a consequence.
Obsessive-Compulsive Tendencies: A tendency towards rigid rituals and intrusive thoughts.
Trauma: A history of trauma (e.g., abuse, neglect) is a significant risk factor for eating disorders, as the illness can become a way to manage the aftermath of painful experiences.
The Sociocultural Environment: Nurture through external influence.
We live in a world that is obsessed with selling the idea of perfection, and unless we educate people and help people to find the strength to ignore the false narrative that a perfect body is achievable long term, society will continue to play a powerful role in shaping ideals and pressures that can trigger or exacerbate eating disorders in vulnerable individuals.
Diet Culture: Societies emphasis on thinness, dieting, and weight loss creates an
environment where disordered eating can seem normal or even desirable. We all
know someone or many people who are dieting or starting a new fitness journey to change their body.
Media and Social Media: Constant exposure to highly photoshopped and unrealistic
images of bodies, coupled with messages that have the façade of promoting & healthy eating can quickly morph into obsessive control and contribute to body dissatisfaction and comparison.
Weight Stigma and Bullying: Experiencing discrimination, teasing, or bullying based on weight or appearance can profoundly impact self-esteem and body image, increasing vulnerability. The more society pushes the narrative of the perfect body, the worse this gets.
Family and Peer Influences: While families don’t cause eating disorders, family dynamics such as high parental demands of perfection, a large focus on appearance, shared dieting behaviours and peer pressure can contribute to the development or maintenance of the illness. It’s crucial to understand that:
No single factor is solely responsible. It’s usually the complex interaction of these
elements that leads to the development of an eating disorder. Not everyone exposed to risk factors will develop an eating disorder. Vulnerability varies greatly.
Eating disorders are not a choice. They are serious illnesses driven by a
combination of forces beyond an individuals conscious control.
Whatever the reason for your eating disorder , it is not your fault! And although we can work together to explore the root of your eating disorder, you don’t need to know the reason why you have it to recover.
Logic and knowledge can help you understand how you came to your eating disorder , but you can’t learn or think your way out of it –
