What Causes Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder driven by a mix of genetic, psychological, environmental, and biological factors, rather than a single cause. It's not simply about vanity or willpower—it's a serious mental health condition often rooted in deeper emotional struggles and societal pressures.

Core Risk Factors

Multiple elements intertwine to heighten vulnerability, especially during adolescence or young adulthood when body image pressures peak.

  • Genetic influences : Twin studies indicate 50-80% heritability, with specific genes linked to perfectionism and sensitivity making some individuals more prone.
  • Psychological traits : Low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and difficulty expressing emotions often play key roles.
  • Trauma history : Past experiences like abuse, bullying, harsh discipline, or family comparisons can trigger unresolved negative feelings that manifest as restrictive eating.

These factors don't act alone; for instance, a genetically predisposed teen facing family stress might channel emotions into food control.

Environmental and Societal Triggers

Cultural ideals amplify risks, promoting thinness as success—think media portrayals or social media filters in 2026's digital landscape.

  • High-pressure activities like ballet, modeling, or athletics emphasize leanness.
  • Family dynamics, such as maternal focus on dieting or sibling comparisons.
  • Broader influences: Puberty onset, stressful events (e.g., moves or losses), or societal beauty standards for thin women/muscular men.

Recent discussions highlight how platforms like TikTok perpetuate "thigh gap" trends, though body positivity movements counter this—yet eating disorders persist amid 2025-2026 wellness fads.

Biological and Neurological Aspects

Brain chemistry and hormones contribute, with imbalances in serotonin or puberty-related changes disrupting hunger signals and body perception.

  • Hormonal shifts during development can exacerbate distorted self-image.
  • Early feeding issues in childhood may set patterns.

Imagine a vicious cycle: Genetic sensitivity meets a viral "clean eating" challenge, spiraling into severe restriction.

Multiple Viewpoints on Causes

Experts agree it's multifactorial, but debates exist:

  • Biological camp : Emphasizes heritability and brain scans showing reward system differences.
  • Psycho-social view : Stresses trauma and culture, noting higher rates in Western societies.
  • Integrated perspective : Most sources, like Mayo Clinic, advocate a holistic model where all converge—no one "cause" dominates.

Why Early Awareness Matters

Though exact mechanisms remain under study (e.g., 2025 genetic research advances), recognizing signs like excessive weight worry prevents escalation. Recovery focuses on therapy addressing roots, not just symptoms.

TL;DR : Anorexia stems from genetics (50-80% heritable), trauma/psychology (e.g., low self-esteem), and society (thin ideals), interacting complexly—seek professional help early.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.