It's sometimes the case that a person who develops an eating disorder may have underlying risk factors, such as genetics, dysfunctional home environments, or a psychological disorder. It would seem, though, that eating disorders have increased in frequency lately as a consequence of society's emphasis and preoccupation with thinness.
The pressure to be skinny is a stress felt acutely by many people, especially among young women. An unhealthy body image may incline a person to starve themselves or to binge and purge, a behavior of those with bulimia. When someone has anorexia, their body image can become extremely distorted, to the point that what they see in the mirror has nothing to do with the reality of their true body condition.
While stresses and pressures can contribute to eating disorders, whether under- or overeating, occasionally a person under extreme stress may develop unhealthy eating habits that could present some of the same symptoms of eating disorders. These might include dehydration, constipation, and loss of body fat.
If you suspect that you or someone you care about may have an eating disorder, learn the signs to look out for. Dramatic weight loss, obsession with food and weight, compulsive exercising, or secretive eating habits can all point to a possible eating disorder.
There are also things you can do to help yourself or someone else to build a healthier body image, such as making a list of things you like about yourself that have nothing to do with your weight or your appearance.