Why does anorexia affect teenagers?

Answer 1

People develop Anorexia Nervosa (AN) for many different reasons. Usually it is from a variety of causes, not just one in particular. Most full blown mental illnesses develop over the course of months and sometimes years, and this is probably the case with AN. It may start out with a preoccupation with body weight or image, and over time, become worse due to the convergence of other factors. Some people also develop ANA because of the need to have control over something in their lives. The satisfaction of being able to control their weight and food intake helps with the control issue, until it is what begins to control them.

Answer:

The first medical account of Anorexia Nervosa was in 1689, and was referred to as "Nervosa Consumption", which the doctor thought was caused by "sadness and anxious cares." This doctor described two cases of AN, one male and one female, both teenagers (paraphrased from Joseph Silverman, Anorexia Nervosa: Historical Perspective on Treatment).

Anorexia Nervosa is one of three major types of eating disorders (ED), the others include Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

People struggle with their appearance and eating behaviors for a variety of reasons. The onset of EDs can help understand the causal factors. Numerous genetic, neurological, psychological and sociological factors have been advanced to explain the occurrence of the disorder. Further, the starvation associated with anorexia causes neurological damage of its own that helps perpetuate the cycle.

From a genetic standpoint, studies of twins suggest that anorexic behavior has a high degree of in-heritability; in some studies valued as high as an 84% likelihood of inheritance.

From a neurological or neuro-psychiatric standpoint, studies suggest that anorexia is caused by disturbances in the serotonin-systems within the brain. The possible cause for the disturbed serotonin system would likely be genetic.

From a psychological standpoint, many girls may place too much emphasis on their appearance and overcompensate by extreme dieting; or they may copy the behavior of friends whom they admire. Many ED sufferers have been victims of trauma, such as sexual abuse, rape, or incest, or other types of trauma. Exerting control of weight and dieting can help provide a sense of control and distraction from unwanted memories.

From a sociological standpoint, there are many posited explanations, running the gamut from peer dynamics to economic analysis.

An example of a peer dynamic argument is that certain groups, irrespective of gender, in which success is directly proportional to being a small size, see high incidence of anorexia. Such groups include models and dancers (typically female) but also include competitive wrestlers (not to be confused with wrestlers in the sports entertainment industry) and horse-racing jockeys (typically male).

An example of a demographic argument is: the condition is related to socio-economics, ethnicity and gender, with the vast majority of sufferers being female, white, economically privileged (often to the point of wealth, even by Western standards), citizens of Western countries.

An example of a Marxist-feminist argument is: many girls are taught that their self worth is based on their weight, Skinny = Worthwhile, and, Fat = Worthless; and this idea is promoted by many corporations who want you to base your self worth on whether or not you own their products. "Name brand" products are modeled by very thin people ("models"), many of whom suffer from ANA or MIA. So, their appearance in advertisements represents a glorification of a severe mental illness and of pathological behaviors. This type of advertising by corporations is arguably unethical and immoral; but nevertheless, very effective at getting people to buy into it.

Answer:Through peer pressure and body image, girls always want to fit into that size eight, they want to look good in a bikini, they want to be able to run and dance without their body jiggling. They want to look pretty but theirface is puffy and double-chinned.

Girls care more about what they look like than guys. It's a common fact that they feel the need to do their hair at least five times a day, apply mascara, wear revealing tops and mini skirts.

Answer 2

* Media Influence: The media shows thin models to advertise. Celebrities are often thin. People see these things and think that's the way to be happy or famous. They figure if the woman in the ad is thin and happy, they will be happier if they are thinner. * Peer Pressure: It may seem like every girl is going on a diet to lose weight and look more attractive. They start to think that they should, too, if they want to be popular and have a boyfriend. * Low Self-Esteem: They feel like they're not good enough or don't measure up. They think that by becoming thinner, they will somehow become better than they are and that people will like them more.

-- Many have also had something happen in their life to trigger it.

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i personally went through anorexia, and these are the causes behind why i developed it----

my anorexia had nothing to do with wanting to look good or like a model. my eating disorder mainly existed because it was a way for me to cope with things I had been through. i went through a few traumatic events and i actually subconsciously wanted to make myself as small and ugly as possible that no guy would ever want to hurt me again. not eating was also a way to symbolically cleanse myself because i felt dirty and ashamed as a result of what i had been through. when i wouldn't eat, i would feel pure and clean.

controlling my intake also was my way of having control over my life. so many things had been out of my control and i felt that what I ate was the only thing i could control.

it was also a way for me to punish myself, a way of communicating that i was hurting, and a way to feel accomplishment and a sense of identity.

i also had low self esteem, saw a lot of my family members go on diets, was a people pleaser, and was sort of a perfectionist which can contribute to the development of eating disorders. know that eating disorders can be caused my many factors and that eating disorders have little to even do with food or weight. it's more about how the person feels and their ways of coping with it.

Answer 3

They are self-conscience about their body. They may think they are to 'fat' or 'chubby' and that they need to lose weight. This is a very, very dangerous way to lose weight and depending on the girls body, it might not even work. A more safe way to lose weight, if you really really think you need to lose some pounds, is to eat healthier and just Google some weight losing procedures. Once again, it's not good to starve yourself if you are self-conscience.

Answer 4

Teenage girls are under the most pressure from society to be thinner. Models, TV, and magazines commonly portray being thinner as being better, and show very un-realistic images. Girls often have lower self-esteem in their teenage years, and are more apt to not like their body and want to change it, and thus fall into the dangerous pit that is anorexia.

Answer 5

Anorexia can happen for many reasons or have numerous potential causes. Often, it is a mix that spirals out of control until it reaches an eating-disorder-level. Some common causes are...

*Depression

*Dieting gone too far, extreme weight loss

*BDD (Body Dismorphic Disorder)

*Low self-esteem

*Low self-image / negative body image

*Teasing, bullying (often about weight or looks)

*Peer pressure

*Society ideals to be "thin"

*Family history

*Influence of friends / close relatives

Answer 6

Peer pressure, inferiority complex or overly self conscious all conducive.

agree with the above, but on top of that:

It is a Physcological disorder which develops due to the influence of certain factors within that persons life:

some of the blame is considered to be put on the media and the image of skinny girls being the most attractive (which isn't true)

Answer 7

Anorexia most likely affects teenagers for a few reasons. One is that teens, particulary girls, are under constant pressure and are very socially conscious of what others may think of them and their appearance. During the teenage years, the human body naturally changes and matures, which also may cause eating disorders as an attempt to try and stop, change, or reverse the natural changes. Teens are also the most prone to see and be influenced by media and other social outlets than other age Demographics.

Answer 8

Although there is not a single cause of anorexia in teenage girls, many different factors likely play a role. Social pressures from peers and family along with body issues certainly create an environment ripe for eating disorders. Genetic predisposition and other biological factors may also be involved in a person's likelihood of developing anorexia or other eating disorders.

Answer 9

No it is not very common for women under the age of 17. I have seen many girls develop eating disorders and anorexia after relationships at the age of 17. But soon enough it will be common.