Why do so many people get eating disorders?

They develop due to a complex mix of biological, psychological, social, and interpersonal factors.

Can a person develop an eating disorder at any age?

A lot of times EDs can stem from things unrelated to food or your body. There is no shortage of myths about eating disorders out there that continue to prevail — but the truth is that people of all ages, genders, and body types can develop an eating disorder.

Can a diet cause anorexia nervosa in a teenager?

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa can be triggered by dieting. A person who crash diets (severely restricts calories for a period of time), substantially increases their risk of developing an eating disorder. Adolescents should not be encouraged to go on a diet.

How can you tell if someone is developing an eating disorder?

Of course, buying new clothes or changing your style from day to day isn’t inherently unhealthy. But wearing heavy sweaters in the summer or dressing to hide your frame might signify that an eating disorder is developing.

How can a person get an eating disorder?

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, including: Family history. Eating disorders are significantly more likely to occur in people who have parents or siblings who’ve had an eating disorder. Other mental health disorders. People with an eating disorder often have a history of an anxiety disorder, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dieting and starvation. Stress.

How common are eating disorders?

The most common eating disorder is probably binge eating disorder, affecting 2-3% of the U.S. adult population at some point in their lifetime.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions and your ability to function in important areas of life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.