Anorexia is a mental illness that causes victims to see themselves differently. They look in the mirror and see fat when their bones are sticking out of their skin, their hair is falling out, and they are wasting away before their eyes.
Anorexia nervosa has the highest death rate of any psychiatric disorder. But what are the common causes of anorexia? Why do so many people suffer from this mental illness?
If you want to learn more about anorexia and its causes, keep reading below.
The Pressure to Be Perfect
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The pressure to be perfect is one of the most common and most damaging. This pressure can come from many different sources, including society, the media, and even from within ourselves.
It can be difficult to learn to love and accept ourselves when we are constantly being bombarded with images and messages that tell us we need to be thinner, taller, prettier, smarter, etc.
The pressure to be perfect is often too much for people to handle, and it can lead to them developing anorexia in an attempt to control their weight and their lives.
“Fat Shaming” and Body Image Issues
There are many common causes of anorexia, but one of the main ones is fat shaming and body image issues. People with anorexia often feel like they are not good enough, and that they need to be thinner to be accepted.
Fat shaming can make people with anorexia feel even worse about themselves and may make them want to lose even more weight.
Body image issues can also be a cause of anorexia, as people may feel like they need to look a certain way to be happy or successful.
Genetic Predisposition
Individuals with a family history of eating disorders are much more likely to develop anorexia themselves. This is because there are certain genetic factors that make some people more vulnerable to developing an eating disorder.
These factors may include a predisposition to anxiety or depression, as well as a higher level of sensitivity to social and cultural pressures regarding body image and weight.
While not everyone with a family history of eating disorders will develop anorexia, it is a significant risk factor.
Social Media and “Thinspiration”
Social media can be a particularly harmful platform for people with anorexia nervosa as it often perpetuates “thinspiration” or the idea that being thin is the ideal body type.
Thinspiration images and messages found on social media platforms can trigger eating disorders and may result in anorexia and anemia.
Disordered Eating habits
People with anorexia may have a history of dieting or may be picky eaters. They may have a family history of eating disorders or mental illness. Environmental factors, such as a lack of access to healthy food, can also play a role in the development of anorexia.
Overall Common Causes of Anorexia
There are many common causes of anorexia, including a desire to be thin, a need for control, and emotional problems. If you think you or someone you know may have anorexia, get help from a medical professional and support them in coping with anorexia.
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