Who Is Most at Risk for Eating Disorders?

Given any number of biological, psychological or emotional risk factors, anyone can develop an eating disorder. Some of the risk factors include:

  • Being female
  • Being an adolescent or young adult
  • Being preoccupied with weight, dieting or a negative body image
  • Struggling with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or low self-esteem
  • Sexual abuse and other traumatic experiences
  • Family conflict or dysfunction

There are certain groups who are at greater risk of developing an eating disorder than others because they participate in hobbies or careers that emphasize the importance of maintaining an ultra-thin physique. These groups may include:

  • Celebrities
  • Dancers
  • Models
  • Athletes, particularly ballerinas, runners, gymnasts and wrestlers

A study presented at a meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine recently added cheerleaders to this list of athletes at risk of developing eating disorders. After studying 136 college cheerleaders, researchers made the following findings:

  • Roughly 33 percent exhibited risk factors for developing an eating disorder
  • Cheerleaders who wore midriff-bearing uniforms were more disposed to body image issues
  • Participants expressed concerned that they couldn't live up to their cheer coaches' ideals for body composition

Women face overwhelming pressure to be thin and physically attractive. Those who begin to display disordered thought or behavior patterns or an unhealthy body image may require professional help. Eating disorders are life-threatening diseases that tend to intensify with time if left untreated.