It is not possible to predict the onset of an eating disorder based on a person's life circumstances. However, there are several factors that are often present. Some are more traumatic than others, but each has a unique way of contributing to the likelihood of an eating disorder.
Eating disorder prevention programs have been less than successful historically. Newer research is opening key avenues into what can make eating disorder prevention successful.
Do you remember a moment that was an eating disorder trigger for you? Maybe it was a comment from a loved one, or teasing from a classmate, or even a TV show.
Assumptions about weight loss are often incorrect. And even when we know they're wrong, we might still act on them. It's smart to consider well before pursuing weight loss: Is there a way that you can avoid doing more harm than good?
The Best Life diet plan, endorsed by Oprah, really works hard at giving you the sense that your well-being is the most important thing. But will the Best Life plan really lead to your best life?
Having nutritional data is good, but is displaying it everywhere too much? Are there limits, at least for some of us, to the amount of nutritional information that we can receive in healthy ways?
Some restaurants and dining halls display nutritional values for every menu item. Some have found that displaying nutritional values can be dangerous for those who struggle with eating disorders. What's the best answer?
There's no shortage of desperate attempts to lose weight for prom. But count the cost, because your dress size has less impact on your prom than you may think.
The actual causes of eating disorders are elusive, but we do know many factors that contribute to eating disorder development.
Take an eating disorder test to evaluate whether you are at risk for an diagnosis of anorexia, bulimia, or another eating disorder. This screening is one of the most widely used tools for evaluation of eating disorder symptoms.
The SCOFF ED quiz is brief and helpful for identifying those who may struggle with anorexia or bulimia.
The heritability of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia is high. Does that mean that if your mom has an eating disorder, you will as well? Well, no, but it may pay to take some good precautions.
Evidence mounts for a genetic component to eating disorder development.
Dieting and its promises of weight loss are very compelling, but dieting has strong ties to the development of eating disorders. Eating disorders of all kinds are logical outcomes of the mental and physical consequences of dieting.
The media influence the development of eating disorders through advertising and news reporting. But we can develop greater awareness and take action to promote positive body image rather than unrealistic goals that require disordered eating.
It may not be there yet, but it soon will be -- a legal challenge to pro-ana websites. Does their content violate liability laws? Is seeking to shut them down a violation of free speech?
The size zero pill, or clenbuterol, is a popular drug for dieters. Safety, however, is a major issue. And that doesn't even bring the legal issues into play. Learn more here.
What effect does Barbie have on body image? And if there's an effect on body image, won't there be an increase in eating disorders? Body image can be fragile for young girls, and Barbie remains extremely popular over fifty years after she was introduced.
What causes women to be at higher risk for eating disorders? Women with anorexia outnumber men at least ten to one, and bulimia is four times more common in females than males.
Discusses the prime ages at which eating disorders develop, and how those ages are changing. Also presents several reasons why eating disorders develop at these ages.
A look at specific verbal and emotional events that trigger eating disorders. Provides information on sexual abuse and other traumatic triggers for anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders.
A switch to vegetarianism is an attractive choice for many people who have ethical concerns and desires to be more healthy. The question is whether becoming a vegetarian opens the door to developing an eating disorder.
Explore the powerful contribution a traumatic past can make to the formation of an eating disorder. A glimpse at how experiencing the loss of control and the confusion of abuse make eating disorders logical outcomes.
Family dynamics in the family of someone with an eating disorder can be quite varied. Many family types create dynamics that can pave the way for an eating disorder to form. Parents can have a profound impact on their children, pushing them toward or away from eating disorders.
What behaviors increase the risk for development of an eating disorder? Unfortunately, the biggest is dieting.
Who pays attention to the health of horse racing's jockeys? Jockey weights remain painfully low; the requirements have essentially been frozen for decades.
The beauty of horse riding competitions is undeniable. But in some corners of equestrian sports, pressure for riders to be thin encourages eating disorders. The emphasis on appearance in some horse riding competitions can encourage getting thinner in unhealthy ways.
Give a women's image-conscious magazine a topic like disordered eating, and you might not expect them to treat it well. But with the help of hard-core eating disorder researchers, the magazine benefited its readers with hard data and solid wisdom on disordered eating.
The Wii Fit is designed to help kids be more active, and it encourages them through giving them BMI (Body Mass Index) ratings. But the Wii Fit BMI Index may trigger eating disorder behaviors.
As if there wasn't enough pressure around planning a wedding, some brides seem to be willing to consider offering a bridesmaid contract to ensure that their bridesmaids look just right.
A comprehensive overview of risk factors, with a special emphasis on the roles personality disorders play in the lives of many people who have eating disorders.
Tragedy for this eight-year-old girl has led to more tragedies--in the forms of anorexia and deep depression.
Social isolation is a frequent problem for those with eating disorders. Learn how isolation and disordered eating patterns can strengthen each other in a dangerous spiral.
Profiles common life circumstances of those who are susceptible to binge eating.
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