Purpose: This research is devoted to the phenomenon of various factors related to the occurrence of eating disorders. The paper focuses on the subject of body image, attitudes towards body and behaviors of young women. Design/methodology/approach: Analyzing the results of the respondents, it was necessary to check whether there are any factors which predict the occurrence of eating disorders, as well as whether the respondents have knowledge of basic eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or obesity. Women aged 19-25 years took part in the study, where such variables as attitudes and behaviors towards their bodies, beauty stereotypes, peer criticism, methods of improving appearance, satisfaction with their appearance, physical attractiveness and self-esteem were verified. The following methods were used in this research: Body Image Questionnaire, The Scale for Using Appearance Enhancement Methods, The Scale of Satisfaction with Individual Body Part and Body parameters, Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory. Findings: The analysis of the results indicates that there is a significant relation between low self-esteem, peer criticism, the need to be accepted and the occurrence of eating disorders. Practical implications: The research can contribute to the development of new educationalprogrammes in schools to increase young people's knowledge and awareness about eating disorders. Furthermore, the result may also be important in the prevention of possible diseases. Originality/value: This research can contribute to the better understanding of psychological conditions of eating disorders, especially on Polish population of young women.