While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are most often about much more than food. Stress, self-esteem, anxiety and depression are just a few of the many causes of eating disorders. Unfortunately, eating disorders are never simply caused by a single concern.

Eating disorders arise from a variety of physical, emotional, social, and familial issues, all of which need to be addressed for effective prevention and treatment.

If you know someone that dealing with an eating disorder you should talk to them about it. Be supportive as this may be a very difficult subject for them to discuss. But it better to express your concerns earlier than later when your friend has begun to deal with the damaging physical and emotional effects of eating disorders.

For more information:
Campus Blues
National Eating Disorders Assoc. 
Eating Disorders Assoc.