One of the primary causes of eating disorders among teenagers is due to genetic vulnerability. Precisely, genetic influences that are inherited from either parent contribute to developing an eating disorder. Although the connection between eating disorders and a persons genes is still being heavily researched, studies have shown that the chance for an average person to become anorexic is about half a percent. Also, in the year 2000, researchers found that those who have anorexic family members increased the chance by eleven-fold. To summarize, people with anorexic family members run a higher risk of developing eating disorders. Changes in brain chemicals are also another factor in genetic vulnerability. When a person with anorexia is in the presence of food, they become overwhelmed with feelings and thoughts that make them more rigid, such as counting calorie intake at every meal, weighing themselves several times throughout the day, and making poor choices in the types of foods they eat. A study by Holsen in the year 202 has shown those with anorexia have an internal mechanism that decreases appetite and the ability to detect hunger. To elaborate further, certain parts of the brain such as the hypothalamus which is the bodys thermostat in detecting hunger, the amygdala, the fear response region of the brain and the anterior insula, the part of the brain responsible for interoceptive awareness including the body and emotions slow down in the presence of food. Thus, we can concur that eating disorders
have a genetic basis.
Apart from that, socio-cultural influences also play a role in the development of eating disorders among teenagers. This includes media culture in the form of magazines and television that portrays overweight people as ugly and unattractive while thin people are considered attractive and gorgeous. The message that thinner is better is everywhere, and researchers have shown that exposure to this can lower their self-esteem, which can lead to eating disorders. The discrimination or stereotyping based on a persons weight is damaging and pervasive in our society. Reports have shown that in Fiji, after three years of exposure to Western television, women previously comfortable with their bodies and eating choices, developed serious problems. 74 percent of them felt too fat; 69 percent dieted to lose weight, percent tried self-induced vomiting and 29 percent were at risk for clinical eating disorders. Equally, peer pressure in the form of bullying and teasing also increases the risk of eating disorders. When questioned, 60 percent of those affected by eating disorders said that bullying contributed to the development of their eating disorder. Those who are bullied for being overweight will feel ostracized and isolated from their fellow schoolmates. Many with eating disorders have also stated that they have few friends, social activities, and social support. So, there is strong evidence that socio-cultural influences play a role in the development of eating disorders among teenagers.