A Review of the Physiological Causes and Effects of Eating Disorders: Current Research & Future Directions

Abstract

In today’s media-driven culture promoting an ideal body thinness, eating disorders have become more rampant than ever before. Previous research has explored the various causes and effects of disordered eating in an attempt for medical practitioners to better define the different disorders as well as to better treat those suffering with the disorder. By analyzing previous studies along with the emerging data, this work has reviewed the most up-to-date eating disorder classifications, the potential causal components, and the physiological effects of eating disorders to highlight where more research is needed. The findings of this work highlight a significant genetic component, among other factors, that may contribute to the development of disordered eating. Moreover, this paper calls attention to the serious adverse effects associated with those suffering and recovering from eating disorders.