Social
Cultural pressures that glorify “thinness” or muscularity and place value on obtaining the “perfect body”; narrow definitions of beauty that include only women and men of specific body weights and shapes; cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and strengths; stress related to racial, ethnic, size/weight-related or other forms of discrimination or prejudice.
Biological
Scientists are researching possible biochemical or biological causes of eating disorders. In some individuals with eating disorders, certain chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite, and digestion have been found to be unbalanced. The meaning and implications of these imbalances remain under investigation. Eating disorders can run in families. Current research indicates that there are significant genetic contributions to eating disorders.
Psychological
Low self-esteem; feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life; depression, anxiety, anger, stress or loneliness. Some specific psychological include: Harm Avoidant Temperament/Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Traits, Post Traumatic Syndrome, Cognitive Inflexibility (especially for Anorexia Nervosa), Impulsivity and novelty seeking is associated with Bulimia Nervosa
Genetic
The genetic factors behind eating disorders may not be predictive of an eating disorder, but can contribute to the onset of a disorder. In some individuals with eating disorders, certain identified chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite, and digestion have been found to be unbalanced. Those that are born with specific genotypes are at a heightened risk for the development of an eating disorder. Those who have a family member with an eating disorder, are 7-12 times more likely to develop an eating disorder.
Environmental
Things like dysfunctional family dynamics, professions and careers that promote being thin and weight loss, such as ballet and modeling, Aesthetically oriented sports, where an emphasis is placed on maintaining a lean body for enhanced performance can lead to the development of an eating disorder. Family and childhood traumas: childhood sexual abuse, severe trauma can be a high trigger factor to an eating disorder; however, cultural and/or peer pressure among friends and co-workers, stressful transitions or life changes can be a cause.