Beh/225: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

Glorietta Washington

University of Phoenix

BEH/225

October 17, 2015

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are common. Some types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulima nervosa, binge-eating disorder, purging disorder, and night-eating syndrome. Many factors contribute to eating disorders, such as hunger, culture, genetics, and poor self-esteem. Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations play roles, too. Each of these factors will be discussed.

Primary drive of hunger plays a significant role in eating disorders. First is the need to eat. This is the internal deficiency that helps create hunger. The body needs nutrients. The need yields a drive, which Coon & Mitterer (2012) defines as an energized motivational state. It may be hunger, thirst, etc. Lastly, the drive creates a response, or an action. Physical factors create hunger. The level of glucose in the blood decreases, the liver sends signals to the brain, specifically the hypothalamus. This triggers the response, or action of seeking food and consuming food. Once food is consumed, knowing when to stop is called satiety. Satiety is signaled by the ventromedial hypothalamus. Damage to this section of the brain can greatly affect eating habits and eating disorders. Those with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia do still experience hunger, but the brain’s hunger cues may be intentionally ignored.

Gender and cultural differences also play a significant role in eating disorders. Societal norms influence body image. In western cultures, for example, slim body types are often thought of as ideal. Those with such a body type may be glorified; an eating disorder may develop to help achieve that body type. Another way in which culture influences eating disorders includes the types of foods consumed. For instance, western culture includes fast-food. Such foods may be addictive and lead one to overeat by releasing dopamine in the brain when consumed. Binge eating can be a result. Women historically have had higher occurrences of eating disorders than men have, but men are increasingly experiencing eating disorders now. Muscle dysmorphia is more common among men, though (Coon & Mitterer 2012). Across cultures and genders, primary hunger drives still exist, but may be ignored. Likewise, negative self-image and poor self-esteem play key roles.