Psychological causes of malnutrition
What are psychological causes?
Psychological factors deal with the human mind. Usually, psychological factors are most prevalent in developed countries. Advertising and the Media can exert a considerable influence on individuals. This may project a incorrect mindset onto individuals and cause them to suffer psychologically.
What we think?
If you think you are suffering from a psychological disorder, we seriously urge you to consult your school councillor. There is nothing worse than suffering from malnutrition because of an image problem. Please be careful with what you do to your body.
Body Image
Media portrayals of beautiful women in the developed world are tall slender women. This portrayal has a strong effect on some people especially teenage girls. Often they will try to emulate the looks of these beautiful women by self induced starvation. This can lead to psychological disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia which are delibitating illness causing malnutrition.
Depression
Depression can be both the cause and an impact of malnutrition. People who are depressed find comfort in doing something to alleviate their discomfort. They often binge eat or drink. Excess consumption of alcohol can lead to malnutrition as the body is not built to process toxic chemicals at the rate they consume. Binge eating is when someone "pigs out" or consumes immense quantities of food to make themselves feel better. This excess consumption can lead to malnutrition and obesity.
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Malnutrition and Seniors. (2007, May 28). Senior Health. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/senior-health/HA00066
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Body Image (2006) Eating Disorders http://www.teamwebsites.co.uk/bodyimage/disorders.htm
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Hassink, S.G Homeier, B.P. (2004) Binge Eating Disorder http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/binge_eating.html