Who is most at risk for developing anorexia nervosa?

The group most at risk for developing anorexia nervosa is female teens. This population often faces unique sociocultural pressures, including emphasis on thinness and body image issues that can be particularly intense during adolescence. During this developmental stage, many young women are influenced by media portrayals of idealized body types and may engage in restrictive eating behaviors in an attempt to achieve these standards. Factors such as peer influence, competition for attention, and societal expectations around femininity further exacerbate the risk for developing anorexia nervosa in this demographic. Adolescence is also a period of significant change, both physically and psychologically, which can contribute to feelings of lack of control and a desire to control body weight and shape as a coping mechanism.

In contrast, other groups, such as older adults and male adolescents, do not experience the same level of risk factors associated with the onset of anorexia nervosa. While college students can also be susceptible to eating disorders, the peak incidence of anorexia is typically observed in adolescent females. Consequently, understanding the specific vulnerabilities of female teens is crucial when considering the risk factors for anorexia nervosa.