Eating disorders: What are the risks?

Eating disorders are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior and overconcern with body weight and shape. Onset is typically during adolescence. DSM-IV recognizes three eating disorders: anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). While AN and BN are defined by specific criteria sets, EDNOS is heterogeneous and includes individuals who narrowly miss full criteria for AN and BN, as well as those presenting with a range of other symptom clusters, including binge eating disorder (BED). Eating disorders are difficult to treat, often associated with a chronic and relapsing course, high rates of psychiatric comorbidity and medical morbidity, and, specifically in AN, increased mortality risk. AN and BN have estimated prevalence rates of 0.5–1.0 % and 1–4%, respectively; however the most common eating disorder presentation is EDNOS.1 The etiology of these disorders is poorly understood: Are eating disorders sociocultural phenomena, neurobiological disorders, inherited conditions, or a combination of the three? Research studies designed to identify risk factors for the development of eating disorders are critical. Such research can assist in identifying high risk groups to target for early intervention and advance the development of diagnostic, prevention, and treatment programs. Additionally