Predisposing factors

Research has shown that there isn’t a factor that is solely responsible causing this eating disorder. There are several factors that need to be considered which will lead a person to be anorexic.

1. Being a female from the age of 15-34 years old. This is true because most women at this age are very self-conscious. There is a lot of media influence that puts much pressure on them. In addition, their peers also place some pressure on them. All this imprint an idea into their mind that they must have a nice body.

2. Striving for success in certain industries. People who work as models or dancers have a higher chance of landing themselves into this condition. The pressure is there for them to look good and the competition is very intense. Their drive for success might ultimately cause them to starve themselves and soon be anorexic.

3. Stress and family. Stress can be contributed by different sources, and not only just the friends and work. Studies have shown that life events like a death of a loved one or being unemployed can trigger a person to be anorexic. Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention contains several quotes from anorexic patients. Statements like “disappointed at mother’s alcohol problems” and “handicapped brother was born” were reasons patients gave to why they began to lose weight. Some of the patients had parents whose diet had an influence on them, “My mother was often on a diet”.

4. Perfectionists and ambitious people. There are many people who want to be the best in everything they do and everywhere they go, and this includes their looks. They will do anything they can just to look good. Being ambitious would mean that a person has high expectations and set high goals. In the event that they fail to reach their goal, it might cause them to be depressed and may cause them to be anorexic.

5. Genetics. Research has shown some linkage between genes and anorexia nervosa. In the 2002 the journal Monitor on Psychology had an article that stated a link between chromosome 1 and anorexia nervosa. Whether or not this gene was responsible for a person’s personality or a person’s metabolic and hormonal functions in the body is not known. Nevertheless, some relationship has been found. Therefore, people with a family history of anorexia nervosa might be predisposed to having this condition.

References
http://www.apa.org/monitor/mar02/genetic.html
http://www.virtualcancercentre.com/diseases.asp?did=75&title=Anorexia-Nervosa-(Self-Starvation,-Malnutrition,-Severe-Weight-Loss,-Extreme-Weight-Loss)
Nilsson, K, Abrahamsson, E, Torbiornsson, A, & Hagglor, B 2007, Causes of Adolescent Onset Anorexia Nervosa: Patient Perspectives, Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention, Vol.15 Is. 2, pp. 125-133.