Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing psychological, interpersonal, and social conditions.  Scientists and researchers are still learning about the underlying causes of these emotionally and physically damaging conditions. We do know, however, about some of the general issues that can contribute to the development of eating disorders.

While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are most often about much more than food.  People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming.  Dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to help some people cope with painful emotions and to feel as if they are in control of their lives, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage their physical health, self-esteem, and sense of competence and control.

• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life
• Depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness

• Troubled family and personal relationships
• Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings
• History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight
• History of physical or sexual abuse

• Cultural pressures that glorify "thinness" and place value on obtaining the "perfect body"
• Narrow definitions of beauty that include only women and men of specific body weights and shapes
• Cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and strengths

• Scientists are still researching possible biochemical or biological causes of eating disorders.  In some individuals with eating disorders, certain chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite, and digestion have been found to be imbalanced.  The exact meaning and implications of these imbalances is still under investigation.

Eating disorders are complex conditions that can arise from a variety of potential causes. Once started, however, they can create self-perpetuating cycles of physical and emotional destruction.  All eating disorders require professional help.

• Eating disorders are serious potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person's emotional and physical health.
• Eating disorders are not just a "fad" or a "phase." People do not just "Catch" an eating disorder for a period of time. They are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.
• People struggling with an eating disorder need to seek professional help. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.

Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa: In anorexia nervosa's cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. Thus, the body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting in serious medical consequences:

• Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which means that the heart muscle is changing. The risk for heart failure rises as the heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower.
• Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis), which results in dry, brittle bones.
• Muscle loss and weakness.
• Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure.
• Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness.
• Dry hair and skin, hair loss is common.
• Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm.

Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa: The recurrent binge-and-purge cycle of bulimia can affect the entire digestive system and can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions. Some of the health consequences of bulimia nervosa include:

• Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death. The electrolyte imbalances are caused by losses of potassium and sodium from the body and dehydration as a result of purging behaviors.
• Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting.
• Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse.
• Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting.
• Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis.
• Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing.

Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder often results in some of the health risks associated with clinical obesity. Some of the potential health consequences of binge eating disorder include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels
• Secondary diabetes
• Gallbladder disease