IntroductionThe objective of this literature review is to describe the main causes of eating disorders among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in high schools across world, and also to explain to what extent some of these causes influence eating disorders. Recent studies have indicated a major increase in habits related to eating disorders and body dissatisfaction in adolescence over the past few decades. This crisis appears to be more prevalent among girls than boys, with 20 percent of high school girls exhibiting poor eating habits and around 60 percent having attempted to lose weight (Pritchard and Wilson, 2005). The most affected young people try various solutions to deal with this dilemma and in most cases, drug and alcohol abuse and suicide are the worst consequences that have caused concern in society. Information about this summit was gathered after analyzing scientific journals, although details are limited because the articles are not entirely up to date. succeeds since they see it as an accomplished goal and not as an illness, so they do not see the need to change. (Fairburn and Harrison, 2003). Due to being underweight, these people become socially isolated, making this situation difficult to reverse. Again, Pritchard and Wilson (2005) also describe it as an overvaluation of shape and weight, which leads to a high mortality rate due to medical complications or suicide. Bulimia nervosa Fairburn and Harrison (2003) define bulimia nervosa as uncontrolled overeating and is usually followed by voluntary vomiting. These p...... middle of paper ......9, 2010, http://proquest.umi.com.library.ecu.edu.au/pqdweb?index=45Pritchard, ME, & Wilson, GS (2005). Factors influencing body image among adolescent athletes. Journal of Women in Sport and Physical Activity, 14(1), 72-78. Retrieved from http://proquest.umi.com.library.ecu.edu.au/pqdweb?index=152 Siegel, D. (February 2007). Body perceptions of adolescent girls following sports participation. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 78(2), 8. Accessed July 18, 2010 from http://proquest.umi.com.library.ecu.edu.au.pqdweb? index=103Tiggemann, M. (2001, June). The impact of adolescent girls' life concerns and leisure activities on body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and self-esteem. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 162(2), 133-42. Retrieved July 20, 2010 from http://proquest.umi.com.library.ecu.edu.au/pqdweb?index=179