Women and eating disorders, Part II: Developmental, familial, and biological risk factors

The problem of eating disorders in women is a topic of concern for health care providers today. The focus of this article is on the developmental, familial, and biological factors that may put young women at risk. Identity, body image, autonomy, and separation-individuation are the developmental issues explored. Particular family characteristics such as enmeshment, cohesiveness, overprotectiveness, and boundary rigidity are presented as risk factors as well. The biological predisposition to obesity and the possibility of a predisposition to an affective disorder are considered. The role of the health professional with respect to prevention by intervening in risk factor development is discussed with an emphasis on the education and guidance of parents throughout the life cycle.