Past research has linked anorexia with hormonal disturbances, particularly in the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland. Anorexia in particular has been shown to be associated with right temporal disturbance. These disturbances are often not considered primary, but secondary factors in the etiology of either anorexia or bulimia. In fact, hormonal changes have been shown to occur as a result of starvation. The effects of starvation is a major factor.
Starvation can induce mental states such as anxiety, depression, and even psychosis.
In addition, excessive exercise produces endorphins that alter ones behavior and the continuation of the over-exercise pattern. To compound the problem the body turns to using muscle as an energy source under the conditions of starvation. Cultural pressure is said to contribute to un attainable images of beauty that create pressure for meeting impossible standards. Socio-cultural factors get significant attention, especially in the media. Eating disorders tend to be more common in industrialized countries, however, this is changing as less developed parts of the world have access to new technology and become Westernized.