Eating disorders are not just about food and weight. Often, eating disorders will result from a series of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors. People who have an eating disorder will use food as a way of being able to feel as though they have control on their daily lives. For many, the pain of a past or current event is too overwhelming to cope with and so an eating disorder can be a way of coping with the situation by feeling "in control". However, this disease will, in fact, damage a person's physical and emotional health, self-esteem, and sense of competence and control.

There are numerous psychological factors that can contribute to an eating disorder. Some of these include feeling inadequate, depression, anxiety, anger and loneliness. All of these factors result in the person not feeling in control of their life.

From a personal and relationship standpoint, individuals may have difficulty expressing feelings and emotions, may have been bullied and teased and may have a history of physical or sexual abuse.

From a societal perspective it is important to note the impact that the media plays in influencing young people in regard to body shape and look. This pressure that teens feel to fit in with the right "look" can have a dramatic effect, resulting in an obsessive approach to appearance, weight, dieting, calories and so on.

The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Scientists are currently examining a link between possible biochemical and biological causes of eating disorders. It has been found that in some individuals with eating disorders, the chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite and digestion have become imbalanced.

Eating disorders can become a destructive disease if not treated so if you suspect that a loved one is displaying any characteristics related to an eating disorder, seek professional help straight away. Research has shown that when dealt with early with intense treatment, eating disorders can be overcome. If left untreated, they can be fatal.