Disordered eating behaviors can be triggered by a variety of situations, including stressful life events like divorce, the death of a loved one, childhood trauma, or the diagnosis of a serious illness or injury. The behaviors can sometimes be a way to regain a sense of control after experiencing a major life change. Dieting and using nutrition trackers to lose weight can also lead to the development of disordered eating behaviors.[1][2][3][4]
Other risk factors include perfectionism, negative self-image, being teased or bullied as a child, problematic social media use, and tracking body weight, all of which can contribute to body comparison and dissatisfaction.[5][6]