Short Answer 
Eating disorders are complex mental health issues with severe consequences, including anorexia and bulimia. Proper diagnosis is essential, as symptoms may be denied by individuals, and contributing factors often include genetic, psychological, and environmental influences rather than economic class.
Step 1: Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits that can have life-threatening consequences. They are not just about food but often involve emotional and psychological issues. Common types include:
- Anorexia Nervosa – characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
- Bulimia Nervosa – involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging.
Step 2: Recognizing Symptoms and Diagnosis
To effectively treat an eating disorder, a proper diagnosis is crucial. This can often be complicated by behavioral denial, where individuals may not recognize they have a problem. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape.
- Extreme fluctuations in weight.
- Changes in eating patterns or food rituals.
Step 3: Identifying Contributing Factors
Multiple factors can contribute to the development of eating disorders, but economic class is not one of them. Instead, these factors include:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Psychological conditions like anxiety or depression.
- Environmental influences such as media pressure or trauma.