Anorexia Nervosa

Causes & Prevention

Even If We Can't Prevent Anorexia, We Can Intervene -- Knowing The Danger Signs Is The First Step

Intervening in a person's life to save them from serious illness is an act of loving courage. Because of the apparently deep-seated causes of anorexia, prevention may not be an option. However, there are danger signs that one can be aware of and act on.

Anorexia May Have Primarily Socio-Psychological Roots, But Biology and Genetics May Also Play a Role

Although anorexia is often thought of as a "teenage disease," it can start much earlier, or much later. According to ANRED, Inc., eating disorders usually appear in bright, attractive young women between the ages of twelve and twenty-five, although there are both older and younger exceptions. At least ten percent (10%) of the people with eating disorders are male, possibly more.

Anorexia Has No Single Cause -- Several Factors Are Involved

Although there is no single known cause of anorexia, several factors are implicated, with cultural norms leading the pack:

  • Culture: At least in the United States, women are under constant pressure to fit a certain ideal of beauty. More and more, men are also feeling pressure to have a perfect body.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.