Eating Disorder Risk Factors
Who Is at Risk for Anorexia, Bulimia, or Binge Eating Disorder?
Lists of risk factors vary by source. A study published by the American Psychological Association reviewed more than 300 articles assessing various risk factors.
While the study is mostly concerned with creating a formal system for measuring risk, several points distilled from the article will increase your understanding of eating disorder risk factors. The presence of a risk factor does not automatically produce an eating disorder. Rather, risk factors are pre-existing characteristics that are more common among persons with eating disorders than among the general population.
Gender
Females are ten times more likely than males to experience both anorexia and bulimia, and females are 2.5 times more likely to experience binge-eating disorder.
Age
Studies show a peak in the occurrence of eating disorders during adolescence and early adulthood.
Ethnicity
While eating disorders are typically associated with a Caucasian population, available research paints a more complex picture. The location and cultural environment of the popultaion studied, as well as the symptoms measured, impact reported eating disorder rates by ethinicity. For more information about eating disorders among diverse populations, see the National Eating Disorders Association's fact sheet on Eating Disorders in Women of Color.
Weight concern, dieting, and negative body image
Weight preoccupation and food restriction, in addition to being symptoms of eating disorders, are often precursors of disordered eating.
Psychological and emotional issues
Studies have shown a correlation between eating disorders and depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and general low self-esteem. Some studies suggest that an individual affected by these psychological and emotional issues are at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder in the future.
Sexual abuse and other adverse events
Several studies indicate that a history of sexual abuse is more common among individuals with eating disorders than among the general population. To a lesser extent, persons with eating disorders appear more likely to have experienced other stressful life events.
Childhood obesity and eating problems
There is some evidence that childhood obesity is a risk factor for bulimia and binge eating disorder. A few studies indicate childhood eating problems - such as pica, picky eating, and digestive problems - as predictors or eating disorders.
Family factors
Family discord, parental indifference, and overprotective parenting have all been shown to increase the risk of eating disorders. Having a family member with an eating disorder increases a person's risk of developing her own eating disorder. A family history of depression, substance abuse, and other psychological issues also have been shown to increase an individual's risk for an eating disorder.
Participation in specific activities
Some studies suggest that athletes, dancers, gymnasts, and persons involved in other weight-related activities are at greater risk of developing an eating disorder.
