What are the factors contributing to eating disorders among adolescents?

Eating disorders are defined by a disturbance in eating habits that may be either excessive or insufficient food intake. Eating disorders are affecting adolescents with increasing frequency. The most common eating disturbances among adolescents are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder. Those critical psychiatric conditions are influenced by various factors. Although has not been definite proof for the cause of these abnormalities, there is an existing consensus suggesting it is a range of biological, psychological, and social factors. This paper thus provides an overview of previous studies related to psychosocial and biological effects on the development of eating disorders in young adults. It is hoped that additional large prospective risk factors studies coupled with prevention programs targeting the implicated risk factors will shed additional light on the etiologic processes that give rise to these pernicious disorders and permit the development of more effective preventive and treatment interventions