Childhood risk factors: Longitudinal continuities and eating disorders

Abstract

Background: Childhood risk factors for eating disorders have not been fully elucidated yet. Moreover the developmental continuities between childhood and adulthood that contribute to eating disorders have received little attention.

Aim: To integrate research and current knowledge on childhood risk factors and precursors for eating disorders.

Method: The literature on childhood precursors and risk factors in eating disorders and on continuities between childhood eating problems and eating disorders was reviewed.

Results: The literature suggests that feeding difficulties and childhood weight status might be part of a developmental marker for eating disorders. Psychopathology and adversities in childhood also increase the risk for later eating disorders, although they might not be specific factors.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to clarify the role of childhood precursors/risk factors and of early eating and weight problems in the development of eating disorders.

Declaration of interest: None.

Keywords:

• Eating disorders
• development
• risk factors