Who can get a eating disorder?

Answer 1

Anyone is capable of getting anorexia, in the sense that there are no racial, gender, age etc. divides in who suffers. However there are likelihoods and suggestions according to personal history and Biology.

Anorexia is most common in females, and generally begins under 21. It is most commonly recognised in people who have had some or all of the below issues. However, this does not discount males or over 21's as anorexics in anyway, it just means they are less common.

BIOLOGICAL PREDISPOSITION

It is suggested there is a biological predisposition to suffering with anorexia nervosa. If a girl has a sibling with anorexia nervosa, she is 10 to 20 times more likely to develop the disorder herself. People with anorexia often have higher levels of a stress hormone cortisol, and lower levels of feel good hormones like serotonin and norepinephrine.

LIFE TRANSITIONS

Beginning adolescence, changing school, breakup of relationships, bereavement, failing at something, these are all things that can help spark anorexia. Also a diet may be taken too far and become anorexia over time.

PSYCHOLOGICAL PREDISPOSITION

People suffering anorexia are often perfectionists or over-achievers. They often excel in most things and aim to please others. It is when they feel they have a chink in their metaphorical armour that they crack. They may appear to have it all under control on the outside, but inwardly they can feel helpless, inadequate or worthless, and are highly critical of themselves. If they're not perfect, they're not good enough. There are often underlying low self-esteem issues, por body image, depression, a need for control, rigid thinking patterns, avoidance of conflict, a need to feel unique or special. Children of abuse are also more likely to develop anorexia. They may be emotionally driven in many areas of their work, including career, study, physical fitness etc.

FAMILY/PEER PRESSURES

Over controlling, rigid, suffocatingly close or critical family can be a major factor, reinforcing the feeling of inadequacy. It also makes the child want to break through and be an independent individual. Parents may be over critical of themselves or their children, may always be dieting, or have alot of emphasis on looks. Having close friends or family, or the sufferer themselves, involved in an activity or career that encourages thinness, like dancing or the media.

CULTURAL PRESSURES

There is a media pressure to be thin in order to be attractive, and there are suspisions that this causes a large increase in the levels of anorexia. When western media was introduced to Fiji, the levels of Eating Disorders increased dramatically.

In many socieities, being thin is the standard of beauty and denoted success, happiness and self control. People are often bombarded with images on how to lose weight or tone up, images of an ideal woman. Or for men, to be lean and muscular is equally as important, being told to work out, tone up, lose weight.

Answer 2

anyone can get anorexia.

first of all anorexia isn t an illness you catch from someone or someplace. its something that builds up in you step by step. but yes any one can become anorexic, but most people who become anorexic usually have a tendency towards it whether they realize it or not. if you are weight obsessed, weight dependent or have a low self esteem, you are more likely to become anorexic.

Answer 3

All races and all walks of life can get Anorexia. Studies show that middle class to the rich seem to be more prone for young women to become Anorexic.

Answer 4

Virtually anyone can become anorexic. Mostly, anorexia occurs in young women (usually teens to early 20s) who come from well-off or middle-class families.

Answer 5

Anyone who has the symptoms of the eating disorder