Disorder

Causes of Eating Disorders

There are many causes of eating disorders including environmental and biological reasons. The environmental factors include family, friends and the media. The entertainment industry, in particular, leads the way in encouraging actresses to be thinner almost to the point of gauntness. The leading actresses do not have natural curves; they are simply so thin that you can see their bones protruding. Thus, a rail thin body is held up to be the goal for all women. In the quest for that body, eating disorders develop. The biological factor that can precipitate an eating disorder is not as widely discussed. Studies have found that patients suffering from depression or bulimia have unusually low levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a one of many neurotransmitters that are secreted by the intestine and central nervous system during digestion. Serotonin helps to regulate mood and appetite.