A new study out may have found a link between certain stressful life events and the onset of an eating disorder.

Researchers from the University of Minnestory looked at 27 people who had suffered from eating disorders for an average of 20 years and were receiving treatment from a specialist outpatient clinic.

Nine of the patients had anorexia, three had bulimia, one had both, and the other 14 had eating disorders that did not meet the diagnostic criteria for any one specific condition.

The researchers identified six main factors that triggered eating disorders in these patients. They included:

  • School transition, such as starting junior high school or college. "Nobody knew who I was," one study participant said. "I was incredibly lonely with no support and I just stopped eating."
  • Relationship changes, such as breaking up with a romantic partner or having parents split up. "I was so mad at my dad for choosing her over us.... I think that is when my eating disorder really began," one woman wrote about her father's new girlfriend.
  • Death of a family member or close friend. One woman said her eating disorder began after the death of her sister in childhood. "I started to eat to compensate for feelings of anxiety," she said.
  • Abuse, sexual assault or incest. "I thought if I gained weight that he would leave me alone or I could fight him back," one abuse survivor said.
  • Changing homes or jobs.
  • Illness or hospitalization.

 

But triggers are not indicators of actual causes.  Other factors that put people at risk for an eating disorder need to be present, and then one or more of these events might trigger the development of an eating disorder.

 

Risk Factors for Eating Disorders

  • Genetics
  • Psychological Problems, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, impulsivity
  • Social Pressures -  a strong desire to be thin

 

 

Lack of social support was a common issue with the people in this study, which suggests that being socially isolated or not reaching out for help is like adding fuel to the fire, whether it's an eating disorder or any psychological problem.