Abstract:

This study aimed to elaborate an integrative review of literature concerning the sociocultural variables and the diet type as risk factors for the development of anorexia and nervous bulimia. A qualitative research method was adopted, which published data from scientific database and manuscripts (e.g. Scielo, Lilacs-Bireme and Pubmed) were selected. Manuscripts containing the following combinations ‘nervous anorexia’ and ‘risk factors’ or ‘nervous bulimia’ and ‘risk factors’, or cultural and psychological variables and diet type as risk factors for the development of ‘anorexia’ and ‘bulimia’. After the adoption of the screening criteria, a total of 12 scientific manuscripts was considered for this review. Data analysis showed that uncontrolled eating attitudes are increasing mainly among young people being mostly female. Most studies have correlated the use of the media with a higher probability of developing eating disorders probably due to the sociocultural pressure (digital influencers, parents, friends, etc.) which spread out an unattainable standard of beauty. The internalization of this ‘ideal beauty’ seems to be the mediating point between sociocultural pressure and the development of body dissatisfaction. In this context, it can be inferred that sociocultural factors and diet types, mainly the most restrictive diets, are preponderant factors in the development of eating disorders.

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