Beyond the Plate: Nutritional, Psychological, and Sociocultural Determinants of Adolescent Eating Disorders and the Preventive Role of Educators: A Narrative Review

Background: Adolescent eating disorders (EDs) are complex conditions emerging from the intersection of nutritional, psychological, and sociocultural factors. This narrative review explores how these domains interact to influence risk and identifies the preventive role of educators. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, covering studies from 2000 to 2025. Inclusion focused on adolescents aged 12–19 and addressed at least one of the core domains. A total of 58 peer-reviewed studies were analyzed. Results: The findings reveal that restrictive dieting, emotional dysregulation, and thin-ideal internalization are reinforced by social media, peer dynamics, and family modeling. Disordered eating behaviors often co-occur with perfectionism, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Schools serve as both risk and protective environments, depending on the presence of inclusive curricula, trained staff, and health-supportive policies. Conclusions: EDs in adolescence are not caused by isolated dietary behaviors but by dynamic, interrelated factors. Prevention requires a multi-tiered strategy integrating emotional regulation, media literacy, and nutritional education within schools. Collaboration with families, health professionals, and community networks is essential. Future research should focus on culturally contextualized interventions and the long-term impact of school-based prevention.