IT CAN BE difficult to identify the single origin of an eating disorder. Eating disorders can develop from a number of different causes, ranging from psychological to biological to even cultural factors, yet most are rooted in a person's self-image and emotional stability. An eating disorder can be a way of coping with low self-esteem, emotional problems, or other personal issues. Affecting men, women, boys, and girls alike, the widespread problem of eating disorders also raises questions about the role of society in shaping body image.

For some people, biological factors may make them prone to eating disorders. Research has found that certain chemical levels in the brain, those that affect a person's mood, might contribute to binge behavior. These studies suggest how eating—or not eating—can actually influence...