Why teens develop eating disorders

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

While the exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, certain factors might be involved, including:

• Biology. People with first-degree relatives (siblings or parents) with an eating disorder may be more likely to develop an eating disorder, suggesting a possible genetic link.
• Psychological and emotional issues. Psychological and emotional problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders, are closely linked with eating disorders.
• Environmental. Modern Western culture emphasizes thinness.
• Favorite activities. Participation in activities that value leanness, such as ballet, or sports in which scoring is partly subjective, such as skating, can play a role.