There are three major eating disorders; obesity, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. There are structural causes for eating disorders, or any chemical dependency, however, one of the commonly believed reasons for eating disorder is emotional conflicts, especially ones which have association with childhood memories, either pleasant or traumatic.
Obesity can cause people to withdraw from the society because certain activities become difficult to participate in. Even walking or getting in and out of a car can be challenging for obese people because feet are not designed to carry the excess poundage that they have. They spend time indoor, on the couch, maybe with a snack in hand.
Food is called a natural comforter for a few reasons. Clinically, sweets and starches have been proven to have a calming effect on the brain; an increase of the serotonin secretion. Serotonin is commonly known as a “happy hormone” although it is not a hormone. Also, good smell and taste of food can be associated with good family memories, causing cravings to people who lead lonely, isolated lives. Some people take pleasure from food, and when it becomes addiction as opposed to practicing natural mood-calming skills, it brings trouble into one’s life.
Anorexia nervosa can be caused by many different reasons, but high-achievers and high-performers tend to be the targets of this condition. Bulimia nervosa is a condition that causes people to starve themselves for a few day, and binge and purge. Both anorexics and bulimics tend to have poor self-image because of low self-esteem, or negative inner voice/pathological critic because of the emotionally restraining environment where they grew up.
In a home where only good feelings are accepted, surely children are forced to be motivated to study harder and be successful, but the emotional restraints heavily imposed on the children’s mind takes a toll on them. Anorexics and bulimics tend to get exhilaration and sense of achievement through controlling their bodies; an experience of being “high.” Controlling becomes a big deal under circumstances where life is out of control.
What can we do? Building self-esteem includes acceptance of oneself and others. Nobody is perfect. Curves won’t make anybody less than who they are. Obese people can consider joining Overeaters Anonymous or other support groups. Cognitive behavioral therapy or support groups are good options for anorexics and bulimics. There are things we can do about our past and present. Our life is not helpless.
Source:
“Learning to Love Yourself,” Dr. Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse