How Do Eating Disorders Develop?

How do Eating Disorders develop? While a textbook could be written on this very question (or rather a whole series of Encyclopedias), I’m going to focus on the easy-to-explain part of it. But first, note that there are both genetic as well as situational contributors to a person developing an Eating Disorder. Beyond that, why does a person actually develop an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders usually develop as a way to cope with other things in life. A person who develops an Eating Disorder may be struggling with Depression, Anxiety or a tough situation in their life. Any person who is struggling in life naturally finds ways to cope with these emotions and situations.

The thing is there are many ways to cope and some ways are positive and healthy while others are negative and unhealthy. Both can be effective in immediately providing relief from what they want relief from, but the negative and unhealthy coping skills can become it’s own issue in and of itself.

Some healthy coping skills may include journaling, bike-riding, yoga, watching comedy skits or engaging in moderate exercise. Some unhealthy coping skills can include alcohol abuse, substance-use, reckless behaviors or turning to food for control or comfort. All of these can develop into their own issues, possibly even diagnoses (ie; addiction, Eating Disorders, etc.)

When a person chooses to cope in ways that have to do with food or exercise, it may develop into an Eating Disorder. If left unchecked and untreated, chances are much greater that it will. Some ways a person may turn to food or exercise include;

• Over-exercising compulsively
• Restricting their food intake
• Purging their food intake
• Using fat-burners
• Binge-eating

The list goes on and on. Here’s more on how Eating Disorders develop as coping!

Why is it important to know how Eating Disorders develop? It’s important to know to watch out in yourself if you have the risk factors to developing an Eating Disorder. If you find yourself turning to some of these behaviors to cope with something going on in your life, it’s important to get help immediately before it develops into something more.

Try to identify when you are turning to these coping skills, and start trying to replace them with healthier and more positive coping skills. If you have trouble thinking of some, just google “healthy coping skills” or use Pinterest and you will get a bajillion ideas!

I hope you found this post helpful! If you know anyone else who could benefit from reading this, please share with them. If you have any questions, concerns or requests for future posts, please leave a comment or message me privately.

I wish you wellness and healthy coping on your journey to finding your State of Balance!

Also, check out my Youtube Channel for more inspiration!

If you liked this post, you may also find these helpful;
Guide to Getting Help for an Eating Disorder
When Does a Diet Become an Eating Disorder?