Eating Disorders Research Paper

Eating disorders are alive and well in today’s world and they are a major problem. An eating disorder can look like a few different things, ranging from a severe reduction of food intake to over eating to feelings of negativity towards your body shape or weight (Lehigh University). While some disorders can only be found in specific age groups, races, etc., eating disorders can be found amongst all and it does not necessarily have to be pointed towards food (Lehigh University). In fact, the four areas primarily affect eating disorders: psychological, interpersonal, social, and biological. I am going to talk about three specific eating disorders: anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). Keep in mind that there could be other eating disorders out there that are not found and classified just yet (Lehigh University).

At present, these eating disorders have an effect on roughly 25 million Americans, of which almost 25% are of the male gender. Out of all the psychological disorders, anorexia has the highest mortality rate. The whys and wherefores include malnourishment, substance abuse and reckless suicides. Eating disorders can happen to anyone; no matter whether they’re male or female, rich or poor, old or young. According to many researchers, eating disorders are caused by more than just food. There are numerous

“Twenty million women and ten million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life”(What are Eating Disorders, 2016). What can cause a person to develop an eating disorder? The type of significant amount of eating would include bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder. There are other eating disorders that cause dramatic weight loss such as anorexia nervosa. “According to the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action, the risk of developing an eating disorder is from fifty to eighty percent determined by genetics” (Parks 46). Thirty percent of people develop an eating disorder through a traumatic incident such as rape or abuse. There can be other causes to developing an eating disorder. This can be biological factors, sociological factors, and psychological and emotional health. Biological factors can include a person’s brain chemistry, age, gender and genetics; the genes passed on from one or both parents. Adolescents and females are most

Many may see someone who has an eating disorder as someone who wants 'attention,' while disregarding all of the several factors that play a part in causing someone to take this path in their life. The list of causes goes on and on, yet the basics are right under our noses. Vaguely speaking, biological factors, psychological factors, and environmental factors all take a place on the stand for being causes ("Disorder Hope").

Women, men, and young children have been tricked into thinking that flawless beauty does exist by altering images into the impossible.

Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-eating. Negative body images can cause eating disorders. An eating disorder is any range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Ten to fifteen percent of all Americans suffer from a serious eating disorder (“Eating Disorder Statistics”). They are present not only in women, but men. Not only in adults, but teens. Not only in celebrities, but regular people. Eating disorders are very serious and can even be fatal (“Eating Disorder Statistics”). All of this because they see themselves as something they do not want to be, so they try to change.

b. The causing of an eating disorders aren't entirely clear. However, a combination of psychological, genetic, social, and family factors are thought to be involved. People with anorexia or bulimia often have an intense fear of gaining weight or being overweight and think they look bigger than they actually are.

Firstly, family factors; some parents overvalue physical appearance which unwittingly contribute to children being uncomfortable with their own bodies. Appearance-obsessed friends or romantic partners also create pressure that encourages eating disorders. Secondly, psychological factors such as being a perfectionist lead to one having unrealistic expectations of one self. Perfectionists never feel satisfied despite of their achievements. Thirdly, cultural pressures such as women experiencing unrealistic cultural demands for thinness encourage women to become thin. Last but not least, the media portrays happy successful people by actors and models that are thin and young. "The music industry has set unrealistic expectations for what a body is supposed to look like, and I started becoming overly critical of my own body because of that,” said Kesha, American singer, as she opened up about her eating disorder in an emotional essay on entertainment news. There is no single cause of eating disorders. All these factors combined make it seem like an individual's worth is measured by how they look. Physical appearance may be important, but in reality, happiness comes from loving yourself for who you truly

It is only when society understands the causes of eating disorders as well as their physical and emotional effects can treatment interventions be successful for the person afflicted.

Many of today’s adolescents are constantly worried about how they look and feel self-conscious or uncomfortable if they don’t feel that people like what they reflect. Unfortunately, for a number of kids and teens, that concern can lead to an obsession that can become an eating disorder. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa cause dramatic weight fluctuation, interfere with normal daily life, and can permanently affect their health. Because these kids don’t feel comfortable with their bodies they try their hardest to not gain weight. A combination of psychological, genetic, social, and family factors are thought to be involved. Eating disorders can start with getting bullied and feeling self-conscious about yourself. You

An eating disorder is then characterized as a psychological problem where people have abnormal eating habits. Mayo Clinic states that, “The most common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-eating Disorder” (2015). According to the American Psychological Association, these disorders “are abnormal eating habits that can threaten your health or even your life” (n.d). Most people with these disorders focus too much on their weight and shape of their body. Dr. Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann reports, “Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness among adolescents, after obesity and asthma” (2015). “The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa Associated Disorders says, “An eating disorder is an unhealthy relationship with food and weight that interferes with many areas of a person’s life. One’s thoughts become preoccupied with food, weight, or exercise” (n.d). Because of this condition, the daily life of a student becomes altered physically, emotionally, and

Eating disorders plague the lives of many people mentally and physically. Eating disorders are very common in the United States. More than eight million American men and women including children and adults suffer from eating disorders. There is more than one type of eating disorder. The following eating disorders are the most common ones found in the United States and other countries worldwide: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating disorder. There are many factors that contribute to eating disorders and the treatments being done to help people who are suffering from eating disorders.

Eating disorders have become a problem among women and also men. From magazine models to watching television, being thin and losing weight is a growing fade. I feel the problem is more frequent among women.

B) An eating disorder can be caused by someone calling someone else fat. People getting made fun of about their weight is the main cause. You can prevent disorders by learning all you can about anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Genuine awareness will help you avoid judgmental or mistaken attitudes about food, weight, body shape, and eating disorders.

The idea that eating disorders are okay is a disturbing one, and one I am strongly against because eating disorders damage your health, affect the way you think and interact with people, and cause depression. Eating disorders are dangerous. Somehow society has managed to accept the idea that it is okay to have an eating disorder but I can be the one to tell you that it’s not okay.