Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, are common mental health conditions that many men and women, children and adults, face at some point in their lifetime.
Eating disorders are not only challenging to overcome, their recovery is difficult to maintain. This is not because of a lack of individual goals or stamina but because of the nature of these disorders and their causes.
What causes an eating disorder?
There is no singular, universal cause of an eating disorder — what may predispose one person to develop disordered eating may leave another person completely unaffected.
That being said, there is a list of causes that those diagnosed with an eating disorder have in common.
Genetics
Research indicates that genetics play a significant role in the development of eating disorders. Individuals with a family history of eating disorders are more likely to develop similar conditions.
Personality traits
Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, obsessive-compulsiveness and high levels of self-criticism, are commonly associated with eating disorders. Individuals with these traits may strive for an unrealistic level of control over their bodies and eating habits, leading to disordered eating behaviors.
Emotional regulation
Difficulty in managing emotions can play a role in development as many individuals use disordered eating behaviors as a coping mechanism to deal with negative emotions like anxiety, depression or trauma. For instance, binge eating may provide temporary relief from emotional stress, while restrictive eating can give a false sense of control.
Poor self-esteem
Individuals who are unhappy with their body shape, size or weight are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors to achieve their desired body image. This dissatisfaction is often fueled by overwhelming images of perfection in the media and frequent talk and pressure about weight and body image.
Media portrayals of the “ideal” body, often characterized by extreme thinness for women and muscularity for men, create unrealistic standards that many people strive to achieve. This societal pressure can lead to unhealthy dieting, excessive exercise and other disordered eating behaviors.
Cultural norms and professions
Certain cultural norms and professions place a heightened focus on body image and weight. For instance, athletes, models, dancers and actors may feel intense pressure to maintain a specific body type to succeed in their careers. This pressure can increase the risk of developing eating disorders as individuals strive to fit into these roles.
Stress
Significant life changes and stressors, such as moving to a new place, starting a new job or school, relationship issues or trauma, can trigger the onset of eating disorders. During these times, individuals may turn to disordered eating as a way to cope with the uncertainty.
Is it possible to recover from an eating disorder?
Recovery from an eating disorder often takes much time and has many setbacks, but it is possible with the right support and interventions. A successful recovery must address the underlying causes and implement strategies to foster a healthier relationship with food and body image.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of eating disorder treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective, as it helps individuals identify and challenge distorted thoughts and behaviors related to eating and body image. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is another helpful approach, especially for individuals who struggle with emotion regulation and impulsivity.
Nutritional planning
Working with a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders is essential. Nutritional counseling helps individuals develop a healthy relationship with food, understand proper nutrition and create balanced meal plans. It also addresses fears and misconceptions about food, guiding patients to re-establish normal eating patterns.
Support groups
Engaging with support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding for those recovering from eating disorders. Sharing experiences and coping strategies with others who have faced similar challenges can be incredibly validating and motivating. Peer support can also reduce feelings of isolation associated with eating disorders.
Holistic treatments
Complementary therapies such as mindfulness, yoga, art therapy and meditation can support recovery by promoting self-awareness, self-acceptance and stress reduction. These practices can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their overall well-being.
Is eating disorder relapse possible?
While recovery with the right therapies is possible, relapse may still occur. Because of the potential causes of an eating disorder, including high levels of stress and even unavoidable genetics, completely avoiding triggers may not be achievable.
Relapse, unfortunately, is not uncommon. According to a study from UC San Francisco, “Three in four patients with anorexia nervosa – including many with challenging illness – make a partial recovery. But just 21 percent make a full recovery, a milestone that is most likely to signal permanent remission.”
The key to successful recovery is the development of resilience and self-compassion. Learning to navigate life’s challenges without resorting to disordered eating behaviors is a crucial aspect of healing. Building a positive self-image and fostering a healthy relationship with food and body are ongoing processes that require time, patience, and dedication.
And if relapse does occur, it is important to not give up hope. Remember, relapsing does not mean you have failed — it simply means a new treatment method may need to be tried.
In need of continued support?
If you or a loved one need help with disordered eating habits, contact Seeds of Hope at 610-644-6464 or fill out an online contact form to get in touch with a counselor today.
