What are the Risk Factors for Anorexia Nervosa: While anyone can develop this disorder, certain people are more likely than others to suffer from it. Here are some of the risk factors associated with developing Anorexia Nervosa.
Risk factors for development of Anorexia Nervosa (please note, this is a list of risk factors that is not ranked in the order of importance)
- Childhood Perfectionism
- Poor body image
- Entering puberty before peers
- Childhood appetite and satiety deregulation
- A history of childhood anxiety
- A history of being teased or bullied by peers
- A history of being teased by friends or family about weight
- Having a maternal figure (Mother) who is focused on dietary restriction
- Significant Difficulty discussing problems with parents
- Being a member of any sport activity or industry where being underweight is praised and encouraged. For example there is more pressure on a individual to be a particular weight / size if they are involved in modeling, acting, wrestling, swimming, ballet dancing, gymnastics, figure skating, rowing, track or cross-country running.
- Having a pear shaped body
- Low self esteem
- Unrealistic expectations from parents & caregivers
Sometimes one only notices all the risk factors for Anorexia Nervosa after the initial diagnosis.