Predisposing factors

Although concerns about weight and body shape play a crucial role in all eating disorders, the actual causes appear to involve many factors. They are often biologically inherited and tend to run in families. To understand better the risk factors researchers are also studying nervous system, the process of how and where eating is controlled and they also attempt to identify personality traits. Current science also suggests that biologically based factors also contribute to the development of eating disorders (Monteleone, 2012).

Very likely patients who struggle with low self-esteem and are unsure of their ability to meet expectations developed eating disorders already in their childhood. Psychological shock and serious family problems also belong to the risks of this disease (Túry, 2005). People who were sexually and physically abused face these disorders later in their adulthood (Kinzl et al, 1999). Family environment and family pattern dysfunction can be another factor as well. These patterns and habits ingrain into children’s mind and these experiences are indelible. One of the contributing factors is families’ attitudes toward diets whose members are diet conscious (Minuchin and et al, 1978).