Question

Explain the risk and causal factors in eating disorders.

Answer 1

• Risk factors for eating disorders:-
• Biological-Having a close family member with eating disorder can increase the risk of developing the disorder,especially when a first degree relative(parent,sibling) has a history of it.
• Psychological-One of the major risk factors for developing eating disorder is perfectionism,which involves setting unrealistic high expectations from onself.Also having body dissasitisfaction,and becoming obsessed with one's physical appearance is a major cause
• Social-Many social cultural factors increase the risk of developing eating disorders.The influence of media,especially in western cultures,presenting unrealisitc beauty standards for women,perfect weight especially a slim figure has lead to an increase in fat shaming among girls and developing eating disorders.
• Girls becomed influenced by the societal expectations of an ideal woman having an ideal body increasing the risk.
• Also limited social support is another risk factor.People suffering from eating disorders do go through loneliness and isolation due to fewer friends and social acitvities.Less social support increases the risk of developing the disorder.