Binge eating, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa---these are examples of common eating disorders that have afflicted millions of individuals worldwide. People who suffer from these disorders are always in serious trouble when it comes to their health. Without the infusion of the right and proper balance of nutrients, their health weaken and deteriorate.
The problem is not limited to the deterioration of physical health. People with eating disorders are generally irritable, depressed, and unhappy of their situation but can't seem to do anything about it. Their attitudes may cause stress and relationship problems with their loved ones and families.
But what really causes eating disorders?
1. Genetic
Researchers believe that eating disorders are inherited predispositions. Indeed, many studies and cases of anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating are traced back to genetic anomalies. They have found that the neurotransmitters neuroepinephrine and serotonin are at significantly low levels in people suffering from anorexia and bulimia nervosa, giving them a false feeling of being full.
Other scientists also theorize that irregularities in the production of brain chemicals may have a possible role in causing these afflictions. For instance, afflicted individuals have significantly high levels of the hormones cortisol and vasopressin. These hormones are generally released to ease off stress. Therefore, sufferers generally feel good and relieved even if they ate to much or too little.
2. Sociological
Social and environmental conditions are also responsible for an eating disorder. Sadly, we are living in a world that strongly projects the idea that to achieve success and happiness, one must be slim. People who are influenced by this will try all methods to be thin, even if it means endangering their health. Other sociological factors include peer pressure, dysfunctional families, controlling relationships, and domineering superiors.
3. Psychological
Similar to how an alcoholic drinks on alcohol to cope with problems, a person with an eating disorder stops or restricts the intake of food, or consumes too much food. By eating too much or too little, the person feels a partial sense of relief or control over his life. People who feel depressed, worthless, lonely, or insecure are susceptible to suffer from eating disorders.
The problem is not limited to the deterioration of physical health. People with eating disorders are generally irritable, depressed, and unhappy of their situation but can't seem to do anything about it. Their attitudes may cause stress and relationship problems with their loved ones and families.
But what really causes eating disorders?
1. Genetic
Researchers believe that eating disorders are inherited predispositions. Indeed, many studies and cases of anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating are traced back to genetic anomalies. They have found that the neurotransmitters neuroepinephrine and serotonin are at significantly low levels in people suffering from anorexia and bulimia nervosa, giving them a false feeling of being full.
Other scientists also theorize that irregularities in the production of brain chemicals may have a possible role in causing these afflictions. For instance, afflicted individuals have significantly high levels of the hormones cortisol and vasopressin. These hormones are generally released to ease off stress. Therefore, sufferers generally feel good and relieved even if they ate to much or too little.
2. Sociological
Social and environmental conditions are also responsible for an eating disorder. Sadly, we are living in a world that strongly projects the idea that to achieve success and happiness, one must be slim. People who are influenced by this will try all methods to be thin, even if it means endangering their health. Other sociological factors include peer pressure, dysfunctional families, controlling relationships, and domineering superiors.
3. Psychological
Similar to how an alcoholic drinks on alcohol to cope with problems, a person with an eating disorder stops or restricts the intake of food, or consumes too much food. By eating too much or too little, the person feels a partial sense of relief or control over his life. People who feel depressed, worthless, lonely, or insecure are susceptible to suffer from eating disorders.
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