LIFESTYLE NEWS - The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. However, many doctors believe that a combination of genetic, physical, social, and psychological factors may contribute to the development of an eating disorder. 

Societal pressure can also contribute to eating disorders. Success and personal worth are often equated with physical beauty and a slim physique, especially in Western culture. The desire to succeed or feel accepted may fuel behaviours associated with eating disorders. 

Anorexia can be identified by unusually low weight and an intense desire not to gain weight or eat too much, if at all.  

Anorexia is characterized by behaviour meant to avoid gaining any weight at all, often to the point of malnourishment. With anorexia, a person may also see themselves as overweight, even if their body weight is far below normal. Anorexia is most prevalent among young women.  

Binge eating disorder (or BED) occurs when you eat too much on a regular basis. You may also feel guilty about bingeing or feel like your bingeing is out of control. With BED, you may continue eating long after you feel full, sometimes to the point of discomfort or nausea. BED can happen to people of all sizes and weights. 

Bulimia occurs when you experience episodes of binge eating followed by purging. With bulimia, you may feel guilty or helpless after eating large amounts of food and try to vomit the food back up. You may use laxatives to quickly get the food through your digestive system. You might also exercise excessively to prevent the food from causing weight gain. 

With bulimia, you may believe that you're overweight even if your weight is normal. This disorder is most common during the late teen years and early adulthood.  

Pica is a disorder in which you eat objects or other non-nutritious substances uncommon to your culture e.g. chalk, dirt or hair.  

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