The Nature and Nurture of Weight Disorders

While it is understood that eating disorders occurs within a large spectrum, we must consider the prevalence of each disorder along that same spectrum.

Anorexia is the least prevalent along the spectrum.

Bulimia is next.

There is more prevalence of Binge Eating Disorder along the spectrum.

And the most prevalent is basic Eating, weight, and body image concerns.

It is also important to remember that is quite difficult to get an accurate representation of prevalence given the stigma against eating disorders in America.

So how do eating disorders come about? Some people say nature, some say nurture. I'll provide information on both theories in this blog. There is evidence showing that bulimia has increased in the last thirty years and less evidence showing the increase in anorexia likewise. While anorexia and bulimia could begin in childhood, it most typically begins in adolescence. With the diet fads occurring today, teens are educated at a very young age how to restrict eating and binging behaviors leading to anorexic and bulimic tendencies. Dieting along with the unrealistic body image ideals of our culture increases the risk of anorexia and other eating disorders.

On the other hand, worldwide obesity has increased and there is clear evidence that this is affecting health concerns in both children and adults as well. It is apparent that the concern of body image, eating, and dieting has increased drastically in our nation as has the awareness and need for services for this population through dieting and exercise.

While it may be impossible to determine who will suffer from an eating disorder or obesity, we can explore who is more vulnerable compared to others.

Females are much more likely to suffer from an eating disorder compared to males given their natural body shape compared to the “ideal” along with the social complexities of staying thin in the “skinny culture” of today.

Also, there are genetic and familial components to eating disorders as well as environmental components to such illness which must be considered. In regards to obesity, there are genetic, socioeconomic, and familial components which should be counterbalanced with good nutrition, education, and steady exercise.