Biological Factors
1. Genetic Predispositions
One possible factor that is related to anorexia would be genetic predispositions that make people more vulnerable to develop anorexia. A gene could cause a tendency toward perfectionism and perseverance, both of which are symptoms of anorexia in which a person strives to achieve the “perfect body.” However, it is important to know that even though these genetic predispositions may play a biological factor in anorexia, the exact relationship between the two and how a gene could cause anorexia is unclear.
2. Disruption of Hypothalamus
Another theory involves the hypothalamus that becomes disrupted, whose one of many functions involves controlling a person’s sense of appetite. When the body is hungry for more food, the hypothalamus releases chemicals in order to stimulate that appetite. Hormones then send signals to the hypothalamus once the person had eaten enough food. Consequently, the hypothalamus releases a chemical that makes you feel satisfied, basically rewarding the person for eating. It is believed that this reward pathway with relation to appetite becomes disrupted in people suffering from anorexia. Instead of having a rewarding feeling once you are full, it gives a sense of guilt and self-loathing because of the food that was eaten. So feeling hungry and not eating may reduce the negative feelings, and therefore the person will not be as likely to eat.
"Anorexia Nervosa - Causes ." NHS. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2013. <http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anorexia-nervosa/Pages/Causes.aspx>.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Anorexia Nervosa: Causes." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 05 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Apr. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anorexia/DS00606/DSECTION=causes>.
Photo by Courtney Jaeckles
One possible factor that is related to anorexia would be genetic predispositions that make people more vulnerable to develop anorexia. A gene could cause a tendency toward perfectionism and perseverance, both of which are symptoms of anorexia in which a person strives to achieve the “perfect body.” However, it is important to know that even though these genetic predispositions may play a biological factor in anorexia, the exact relationship between the two and how a gene could cause anorexia is unclear.
2. Disruption of Hypothalamus
Another theory involves the hypothalamus that becomes disrupted, whose one of many functions involves controlling a person’s sense of appetite. When the body is hungry for more food, the hypothalamus releases chemicals in order to stimulate that appetite. Hormones then send signals to the hypothalamus once the person had eaten enough food. Consequently, the hypothalamus releases a chemical that makes you feel satisfied, basically rewarding the person for eating. It is believed that this reward pathway with relation to appetite becomes disrupted in people suffering from anorexia. Instead of having a rewarding feeling once you are full, it gives a sense of guilt and self-loathing because of the food that was eaten. So feeling hungry and not eating may reduce the negative feelings, and therefore the person will not be as likely to eat.
"Anorexia Nervosa - Causes ." NHS. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2013. <http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anorexia-nervosa/Pages/Causes.aspx>.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Anorexia Nervosa: Causes." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 05 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Apr. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anorexia/DS00606/DSECTION=causes>.
Photo by Courtney Jaeckles