ABSTRACT
Identification of risk factors for eating disorders is important for determining high-risk groups, for designing prevention programs, and for public policy (Striegel-Moore & Bulik, 2007). In this chapter, we will first discuss general (non-sport-related) factors that put individuals at risk for developing an eating disorder-factors that may predispose people to such disorders without regard to sport participation. A full discussion of the risk factors for eating disorders is well beyond the scope of this book. Thus, we will confine our general discussion to two areas of particular interest to researchers and practitioners: genetic and sociocultural factors.
