Eating disorders are a group of serious conditions in which you’re so anxious about food and body weight that you can often focus on little more else. The main important types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating problem.

2. A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or
condition. It is possible to develop eating disorders with or without the risk
factors. A number of factors can play a role in your risk of developing an
eating disorder. Emotional stress, generated by significant life events, often
precedes the onset of an eating disorder in susceptible individuals.

3. Certain situations and events might increase the risk of
developing an eating disorder. These risk factors may include:
• Being female
• Age
• Family history
• Emotional disorders
• Dieting
• Transitions

4. The factors that contribute to the onset of an eating disorder are
complex. No single cause of eating disorders has been identified;
however, known contributing risk factors include:
• Genetic vulnerability
• Psychological factors
• Socio-cultural influences

5. Eating disorders cause a wide variety of complications, some of
them life-threatening. The more severe or long lasting the eating
disorder, the more likely you are to experience serious
complications. Complications may include:
• Death
• Heart problems
• Depression
• Digestive problems
• Kidney damage
• High or low blood pressure

6. Eating disorder treatment depends on your
specific type of eating disorder. But in
general, it typically includes
psychotherapy, nutrition education and
medication. If your life is at risk, you may
need immediate hospitalization.