There are a few different known reasons, according to the research. The causes can be sociocultural, psychological or genetic. The latter specifically concerns anorexia.
– Dieting, which is one of the biggest risk factors, seems to trigger certain genetic changes. It can sometimes be involuntary, I have had patients who have had cancer, where the treatment makes it difficult for them to eat, they then eat less and less and begin to develop anorexia symptoms. If you have the genetic variation, it seems to be triggered by eating less, says Ata Ghaderi, professor of clinical psychology.
When it comes to eating disorders, people often talk about it as something that concerns children and young people. But another, slightly more hidden, risk group is mothers who have previously had an eating disorder. According to Anna Ehn who wrote the book Mother with an eating disorder one in ten pregnant women has an eating disorder.
– First and foremost, it is about the body changing and growing during a pregnancy, it can feel difficult for many. There will be a great focus on the body, weight and on what you eat. Many people may manage their symptoms during pregnancy, but when the baby is born, that motivation disappears. After pregnancy, you can be triggered by the notion that you should lose weight quickly. There is a perception that it should not be seen that you have been pregnant at all. Then the parental leave means a lot of time alone, that the routines have changed and then there are also the high expectations of being the perfect mother, she says.
Guests in the program: Erika Nyman Carlsson, PhD in the field of eating disorders, Ata Ghaderi, professor of clinical psychology and Anna Ehn, journalist and author of the book Mother with an eating disorder.
Do you or a close relative need support? – Here you can turn:
The care guide on eating disorders. Call 1177 or go to 1177.se.
Fresh & Freethe national association against eating disorders.
Knowledge center for eating disordersKÄTS.
Girl zonesSweden’s largest support organization for girls aged 12-25 years.
Shedo, non-profit association with the aim of spreading knowledge about eating disorders and self-harming behavior.