Mental Health

Eating Disorders

Causes of Eating Disorders - Genetic and Environmental Factors

Because eating disorders seem to run in families, and female relatives are the most often affected, genetic factors are believed to play a role in the disorders.

But, other influences, both behavioral and environmental, may also play a role. Consider these facts from the National Institute of Mental Health:

According to one recent study, mothers who are overly concerned about their daughters' weight and physical attractiveness may put their daughters at increased risk of developing an eating disorder. In addition, girls with eating disorders often have a father and/or brother(s) who are overly critical of their weight.

Although most victims of anorexia and bulimia are adolescent and young adult women, these illnesses can also strike men and older women.

Anorexia and bulimia are found most often in Caucasians, but these illnesses also affect African Americans and other racial ethnic groups.

People pursuing professions or activities that emphasize thinness --such as modeling, dancing, gymnastics, wrestling, and long-distance running -- are more susceptible to these disorders.

In contrast to other eating disorders, one-third to one-fourth of all patients with binge eating disorder are men. Preliminary studies also show that the condition occurs equally among African Americans and Caucasians.

This page was last updated on: February 5, 2008.

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