Pro-anorexia is a movement that seeks acceptance of anorexia nervosa. Adherents also use the term "thinspiration." It is often part of human nature to band together, and seek acceptance from the larger whole, along with understanding and acceptance. Sometimes this practice results in a positive outcome, but there are also times when said movement has the potential to harm a great number of people, either by keeping them from the truth or by projecting a skewed image of reality to certain vulnerable populations. The pro-anorexia movement, or "pro-ana" movement as it is also called, is one of those situations.

Pro-anorexia individuals view anorexia as something of a lifestyle choice as opposed to an actual psychological disorder which has horrifying physical ramifications if left untreated (Complications of Anorexia: Medical-Psychological Complications of Anorexia). This may be partially due to Western society having become increasingly image obsessed. Our sense of body image has become drastically warped, and suddenly it's "in to be thin," and often dangerously so.

The incidence of eating disorders has increased, and with that increase has come a vocal group who want to protect the freedom of their choice to have an eating disorder, or to be pro-anorexia. Similarly, as the overall size of the average waistline increases, we are also seeing the opposite effect, people who want to protect their right to the choice of being "big and beautiful."

Both movements have positive and negative points depending upon how they are being viewed. For the sake of this article, we will be looking at the viewpoints of those who are pro-anorexia and actively seek "thinspiration" (that is, inspiration to stay thin).

What Is Pro-anorexia and the Thinspiration Movement?

Anorexia thinspiration is a blanket term for a collection of images that people in the pro-anorexia movement tend to use as motivation to maintain their thin figure. The images depict other thin people, actors, actresses and others who are fitting well within the mold of the movement to be super thin.¹

The movement as a whole stems from a growing sub-culture of people who want acceptance, and feel that they deserve it, even in the throes of disease. Again, it's human nature to band together, sometimes this is even healthy. But what is not healthy is perpetuating a psychological disease.

That said, the basis of the movement is that to be anorexic does NOT constitute having a mental illness. If it is labeled as something else, this helps justify the "correctness" of the movement which is essential for its success. Obviously, many individuals on the outside feel that it is the manifestation of the multi-layered complexities of anorexia leading followers to justify and then perpetuate this.

What Impact Could the Pro-anorexia Movement Have?

The impact of a widespread pro-anorexia movement could affect vulnerable youth and those in the grip of anorexia. Instead of seeking help and treatment for anorexia, they may be lulled into thinking that their disease is acceptable. The longer answer is that, while everyone is entitled to support, a sense of belonging and freedom of expression, this could be potentially harmful to everyone.

Seriously ill anorexics are in denial about the realities of their health, and to continue to allow that would be inappropriate on some level. On the other hand, how do you stop such a thing, without violating sacred rights, and further how do you protect those who could be easily brought into the dangerous fold?

What Harm Does Labeling Oneself as Pro-anorexic Do?

Labeling oneself as pro-anorexic is basically condoning hazardous behavior that stems from a much darker place, as a lifestyle choice. If someone wants to and chooses to starve themselves to death, should they have that freedom? It's a difficult subject in relation to one person, much less when an entire group comes together and creates a community with a much broader reach.

Are Pro-anorexia Websites Threatening Our Youth (And If So, How?)

The simple existence of these types of pro-anorexia websites or communities is not harming youth per se. Rather it is the fact that young people often times have unrestricted and uninformed access to them. This, coupled with the inherent vulnerability of age, could cause problems. This movement comes across as rather cult-like, and that can be dangerous for those who don't know any better.

In the best of outcomes, a pro-anorexia website is browsed out of curiosity and never touched again. In the worst, it piques curiosity, and the information triggers a mentality shift into group-think. Could this then lead to an eating disorder?

One way to combat pro-anorexia is for parents need to take responsibility for educating their kids in this area just like anything else. Education about anorexia, pro-anorexia, thinspiration, and about the proper use of the internet will all help to equip teens to deal with the information they find online in a constructive manner.

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Eating disorder statistics show eating disorders can affect anyone: men or women, young or old, rich or poor. Statistics on eating disorders clearly indicate these illnesses do not discriminate. Moreover, according to eating disorder stats, with a prevalence of over 10 million women in the United States suffering from an eating disorder, this is a widespread mental illness.

Statistics suggest this may be due to our culture's obsession with beauty. One eating disorder statistic shows 80% of women are dissatisfied with their appearance. Another statistic on eating disorders indicates 55% of the adult population of the United States is dieting at any given time.

Eating Disorder Statistics: Who Gets Eating Disorders?

While women experience eating disorders considerably more often than men, eating disorder stats show more and more men are being diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.

• In their lifetime, an estimated 0.6% of the adult population in the U.S. will suffer from anorexia, 1% from bulimia and 2.8% from binge eating disorder
• One in 200 American women suffers from anorexia
• Two to three in 100 American women suffers from bulimia
• An estimated 10%-15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are males
• By their first year of college, 4.5%-18% of women and 0.4% of men have a history of bulimia
• 35% of "normal dieters" progress to pathological dieting. Of those, 20%-25% progress to partial or full-syndrome eating disorders.
• Eating disorders are seen in equal amounts across races

Eating disorder statistics show women are much more likely than men to develop an eating disorder. These numbers reflect the lifetime likelihood of an eating disorder for women vs. men.

• Women are three times as likely to experience anorexia (0.9% of women vs. 0.3% of men)
• Women are three times as likely to experience bulimia (1.5% of women vs. 0.5% of men)
• Women are 75% more likely to have a binge eating disorder (3.5% of women vs. 2% of men)

Eating Disorder Stats Reveal the Dangers of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are mental illnesses with a shocking risk of death. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Eating disorder statistics show that 5%-10% of anorexics die within 10 years of contracting the disease and 18%-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years.

Statistics on recovery from eating disorders are perhaps even more frightening; one eating disorder statistic indicates only 30%-40% of anorexics ever fully recovering. Here are more statistics:

• Only 1 in 10 people with an eating disorder receive treatment
• The mortality rate among people with anorexia has been estimated at 0.56% per year, or approximately 5.6% per decade
• The death rate of anorexia is about 12 times higher than the annual death rate due to all causes of death among females ages 15-24 in the general population
• Without treatment, up to 20% of people with serious eating disorders die. With treatment, the mortality rate falls to 2%-3%.

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Sources:
Eating disorder statistics provided by the United States National Institute on Mental Health, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and the Mirasol Eating Disorder Recovery Center.

Eating disorder facts tell us anyone can get an eating disorder, but they are more common among teens and young adults. The explanation for this: when people are young, they are establishing an identity, and trying different behaviors, some of which may include unhealthy eating. Most young people don't consider it important to learn eating disorder facts, but gaining an understanding of healthy and unhealthy eating can be critical in helping to avoid an eating disorder (What are Eating Disorders? Get Eating Disorder Information) now or later in life.

Eating Disorder Facts: Young Adults Experiment

By experimenting with certain kinds of dieting and weight loss behaviors, young people put themselves at risk to develop eating disorders. Eating disorder statistics show they don't understand eating disorders and might attempt to lose weight by skipping meals, or by purging their food; they may binge-eat and then use diet pills to try to lose the weight they've gained.

More innocently, they may try to eat exclusively fat-free foods under the misconception this is the "healthy way;" despite eating disorder facts to the contrary. They may overexercise, believing if a little exercise is good, then a lot is better. They may simply engage in quirky eating habits that, in time, become habitual and extreme, or may read or see movies about eating disorders but lacking a true understanding of them, they accept eating disordered behaviors as "okay".

Why Do Some People Develop Eating Disorders?

Why do some kids develop eating disorders and others do not? It is impossible to ascertain the causes of these diseases. Research around eating disorders points to predispositions - primarily in genetics, through inherited body and brain chemistries, and through personality and temperament. Eating disorder research shows us when such predispositions occur in tandem with stressors or triggers that exist in a person's external environment, an eating disorder may develop. (More on the Causes of Eating Disorders)

Here are some eating disorder facts that may help you determine whether you are at risk of developing an eating disorder.

• Does anyone in your family have an eating disorder?
• Is someone in your family alcoholic?
• Is there verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse in your family?
• Does your family rarely eat meals together?
• Are you a perfectionist? Compulsive?
• Are others in your family perfectionistic? Compulsive?
• Are you a disordered eater?
• Do you tend to skip meals?
• Does your family tend to be extreme in their behaviors?
• Do people in your family try to avoid problems rather than face and resolve them?

How to Prevent an Eating Disorder

To be safe, it is a good idea to eat healthfully, and solve problems effectively, no matter what the nature of your internal or external environment. By doing so, you can virtually guarantee you will remain eating disorder-free throughout your life.

It is important to distinguish an eating disorder from what might simply be quirky eating or experimentation. Experimentation will never become pathology; an eating disorder's main function is a response to emotions, and/or an attempt to resolve or cope with emotional problems.

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This eating disorder quiz is designed to help assess whether you may have an eating disorder. This eating disorder quiz will also help you reflect on the impact an eating disorder is having on your life.

An eating disorder is a serious and possibly fatal mental illness and those with an eating disorder may not even know they have it. This quiz is designed to detect anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders and may also detect if you are at risk for one of these eating disorders. For a longer evaluation tool, take the Eating Attitudes Test.

Keep in mind this eating disorders quiz is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Any concerns about eating problems should be taken up with an eating disorder treatment professional.

Eating Disorder Quiz: Instructions

Honestly answer each of the questions in the following eating disorders quiz. Use the eating disorder quiz assessment at the bottom of the eating disorder quiz to evaluate your risk for an eating disorder.

Eating Disorder Quiz: Assessment

Each of these eating disorder quiz questions can indicate an eating disorder if answered "yes" or "constantly." If you answered "yes" or "constantly" to two or more questions, you should be screened by a doctor. Print and take this quiz, along with your answers, and discuss the outcome with your health professional.

Answering more than three questions with "maybe" or "often" should also be discussed with a health professional. Those answers indicate you may have an eating disorder or be at risk for developing an eating disorder.

See Also:

• I Need Mental Help: Where to Find Mental Health Help
• Eating Disorder Support Groups and Where to Find Them
• Eating Disorder Symptoms
• Types of Eating Disorders

The Eating Attitudes Test aims to answer the question, "do I have an eating disorder?". Eating disorders are serious and potentially life-threatening mental illnesses. By honestly answering the questions on the Eating Attitudes Test, you can find out if you should be professionally screened for an eating disorder. (More about the Eating Attitudes Test). If you are looking for a shorter evaluation tool, take the eating disorders quiz.

Eating Attitudes Test: About You

1. Have you gone on eating binges where you feel that you may not be able to stop?
(Eating much more than most people would eat under the circumstances)
No Yes If yes, on average, how many times per month in the last 6 months?

2. Have you ever made yourself sick (vomited) to control your weight or shape?
No Yes If yes, on average, how many times per month in the last 6 months?

3. Have you ever used laxatives, diet pills or diuretics (water pills) to control your weight or shape?
No Yes If yes, on average, how many times per month in the last 6 months?

4. Have you ever been treated for an eating disorder? No Yes If yes, when?

5. Have you recently thought of or attempted suicide? No Yes If yes, when?

SCORING THE EATING ATTITUDES TEST: Answering "Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

To score the Eating Attitudes Test follow this guide:

For all items except #25 on the Eating Attitudes Test, each of the responses receives the following value:

• Always = 3
• Usually = 2
• Often = 1
• Sometimes = 0
• Rarely = 0
• Never = 0

For item #25, the responses receive these values:

• Always = 0
• Usually = 0
• Often = 0
• Sometimes = 1
• Rarely = 2
• Never = 3

After scoring each item on the Eating Attitudes Test, add the scores for a total that will help answer the question, "do I have an eating disorder?" If your score on the Eating Attitudes Test is over 20, we recommend you discuss your responses to the Eating Attitudes Test with a counselor or your doctor (print and take the Eating Attitudes Test and your responses with you to your first appointment).

If you responded yes to any of the five YES/NO items on the bottom of the Eating Attitudes Test, we also suggest that you discuss your responses with a counselor or your doctor.

See Also:

• What Are Eating Disorders?
• Eating Disorder Symptoms
• I Need Mental Help: Where to Find Mental Health Help

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The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was the screening instrument used in the 1998 National Eating Disorders Screening Program. The EAT-26 is probably the most widely used standardized measure of concerns and symptoms characteristic of eating disorders.

The EAT-26 alone does not yield a specific diagnosis of an eating disorder. Neither the EAT-26, nor any other screening instrument, has been established as highly efficient as the sole means for identifying eating disorders. However, studies have shown that the EAT-26 can be an efficient screening instrument as part of a two-stage screening process in which those who score at or above a cut-off score of 20 are referred for a diagnostic interview.

Surveys of adolescents or young adult women indicate that about 15% score at or above 20 on the EAT-26. Interviews of those who score below 20 on the EAT-26 show that the test produces very few false negatives (i.e. those with low EAT-26 scores who have eating disorders or serious eating concerns on being interviewed).

Based on follow-up interviews of 720 people who took the EAT-26, high scorers were divided into 6 groups:

1. Eating Disorders: persons who met strict diagnostic criteria;
2. Partial Syndrome: persons who report marked dietary restriction, weight preoccupation, binge eating, vomiting, and other symptoms of clinical significance, but who fail to meet all of the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder;
3. Obsessive Dieters or "weight-preoccupied" individuals: persons who express significant concerns about weight and shape, but who do not present the clinical concerns of those with the "partial syndrome";
4. Normal Dieters: persons who are actively trying to lose weight, but who show no evidence of "morbid" or obsessive concern about weight or shape;
5. Obese Individuals
6. Disturbed Individuals: persons who respond positively on the EAT-26, but who do not have significant concerns about weight or shape on interview.

Of those who scored above 20 on the EAT-26, a third had clinically significant eating concerns or weight preoccupations. In a follow-up of high scorers 12-18 months later, 20% of those who initially had a "partial syndrome" now met diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. Moreover, more than 30% of the initial "normal dieters" became "obsessive dieters."

Given these findings, if you score above 20 on the EAT-26, please contact your doctor or an eating disorders treatment specialist for a follow-up evaluation.

Eating problems typically consist of unhealthy relationships with food, your body or dieting. While eating problems are not full-blown eating disorders, these problems can be warning signs of an eating disorder and progress to a full-blown eating disorder so an attempt should be made to correct eating problems as soon as possible. People with eating problems can suffer as much distress as those with an eating disorder.

Eating problems can develop as early as childhood (who gets eating disorders?), often when a child sees unhealthy eating or dieting behaviors in her or his parents. An eating problem may also be rooted in the desire to be thin, and considering thin as beautiful.

Below are described common eating problems and ways to tell if you or someone you love has an eating problem. Ask yourself if any of these issues bother you or interfere with your life (happiness, job, school, relationships, etc.).

An Unhealthy Relationship with Food is an Eating Problem

The most common eating problem is an unhealthy relationship with food. Food is supposed to nourish our bodies and be only one element of our lives. When eating becomes a source of guilt, shame or fear, this relationship has become an eating problem and is unhealthy. We need food to live, but obsessing over food is not good.

An unhealthy relationship with food takes many forms:

• Having rigid rules about food, for example:
  • Allowed and forbidden foods
  • Times of day it is permissible to eat
  • The amount of food "allowed" to eat
• Feeling guilty about eating
• Binge eating
  • Characterized by feeling a loss of control over eating
  • Often occurs at a faster than normal pace
  • Usually followed by feelings of guilt and shame

An Unhealthy Relationship with Your Body

Another common eating problem, particularly for women, is an unhealthy relationship with your body. While the relationship is with the body, it manifests itself as an eating problem.

This may take one or all of the following forms:

• Valuing body weight and/or appearance as the most important aspect of self-worth
• Difficulty interpreting the body's internal signals (of hunger, fullness, emotions, etc.)
• A distorted view of own body
• Feeling very dissatisfied and/or unhappy with physical appearance
• Preoccupied with physical appearance to the degree it interferes with other important aspects of life (job, school, relationships, etc.)

Eating Problems: Unhealthy Weight Regulation

The third common eating problem is unhealthy weight regulation practices. Rather than viewing food and eating as nourishment and self-care, this group is often uncomfortable with the act of eating and may engage in unhealthy behaviors in an effort to reduce this guilt.

These eating problem behaviors may include:

• Excessive exercise
• Abuse of laxatives, diuretics or other medication
• Self-induced vomiting

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Eating disorder symptoms range from obvious physical and behavioral changes to more subtle changes in attitudes. It's important to know the signs of eating disorders to catch and get treatment for eating disorders as soon as possible. A person need not have all of the symptoms of an eating disorder to be diagnosed with one.

Eating Disorder Symptoms: Anorexia Nervosa

The most common symptom of anorexia is weight loss. Physiological eating disorder symptoms of anorexia include:

• Weight loss - often in a short period of time; at least 15% of original weight; less than 85% of the anorexic's medical ideal weight
• Cessation of menstruation (amenorrhea)
• Paleness
• Feeling cold / low body temperature
• Dizziness and fainting spells / low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Bone mineral loss, leading to osteoporosis
• Irregular/slow heartbeat (bradycardia), leading to cardiac arrest
• Hair loss, but with a possible thin, downy covering of hair on the extremities
• Dry skin
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies / abnormal blood counts
• Swelling of arms and legs
• Constipation
• Dehydration

Outward actions are some of the symptoms of eating disorders on which families can pick up. There are some easily noticed behaviors like restrictive eating, fasting, or odd food rituals. Other behavioral symptoms of anorexia include:

• Avoidance of social situations where food may be present
• Compulsive exercise
• Dressing in layers to hide weight loss or keep warm
• Distortion of body image (seeing self as fat even when emaciated)
• Intense fear of becoming fat, regardless of low weight
• Use of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics
• The preoccupation in food/interest in cooking and feeding others
• Flat affect in voice
• Insomnia

Changes in attitude are commonly seen as one of the symptoms of anorexia. While the most common symptom is a refusal to eat and a denial of hunger, other attitude shifts that can be a symptom of anorexia include:

• Mood shifts / depression / anxiety / irritability
• Perfectionistic attitude
• Insecurities about capabilities regardless of actual performance
• Self-worth is determined by food intake
• Over-reliance on others
• Social isolation
• Reduced interest in sex

From Surviving an Eating Disorder. Siegel. M. et al (1988). Harper and Row and from American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Facts on Eating Disorders. Additional material provided by the Mayo Clinic.

More anorexia information.

Eating Disorder Symptoms: Bulimia Nervosa

Unlike anorexia, the eating disorder symptom of weight loss may not appear in the bulimia patient as the person may be under, over, or normal weight. Physical changes include:

• Swollen glands, puffiness in the cheeks, or broken vessels under the eyes
• Sores, scars or calluses on the knuckles or hands
• Sore throat/difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness / lightheadedness / heart palpitations
• Abdominal pain / abnormal bowel functioning
• Fatigue and muscle ache
• Unexplained tooth decay
• Frequent weight fluctuations
• Dehydration/electrolyte imbalance, leading to irregular heartbeat, possibly cardiac arrest
• Cessation of menstruation (amenorrhea)

Behavioral eating disorder symptoms can often be seen in cases of bulimia: bingeing on typically high-fat food, and purging, often vomiting. Bulimic behaviors include:

• Secretive eating (missing food)
• Avoidance of restaurants, planned meals or social events if food is present
• Self-disgust when too much has been eaten
• Bathroom visits during or after meals
• The use of diet pills / diuretics / laxatives
• Rigid and harsh exercise regimes
• Fear of being fat, regardless of weight
• Bingeing that may alternate with fasting
• Preoccupation / constant talk about food or weight
• Shoplifting (sometimes for food or laxatives)

Bulimia signs also encompass specific attitudes that may be new or existing. One of the primary eating disorder symptoms is feeling out of control. Other attitudes of the bulimic include:

• Mood shifts / depression / sadness / guilt / anxiety / self-hatred
• Severe self-criticism
• The need for approval
• Self-worth determined by weight

From Surviving an Eating Disorder. Siegel. M. et al (1988). Harper and Row and from American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Facts on Eating Disorders. Additional information provided by the Mayo Clinic.

More bulimia information.

Eating Disorder Symptoms: Binge Eating Disorder

Physiological eating disorder symptoms for binge eating can be difficult to separate from simple overeating, but any significant weight gain should be assessed by a professional. Physical symptoms of binge eating include:

• Weight-related hypertension or fatigue
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease

Behavioral symptoms for binge eating are sometimes obvious, such as eating large amounts of food (bingeing) or eating rapidly, but can also be well-hidden. Binge eating behaviors include:

• Eating when full
• Restriction of activities because of embarrassment about weight
• Going from one diet to the next
• Eating small amounts in public or dieting while maintaining a high weight
• Frequently eating alone

Attitude shifts, like fantasizing about being thin, can be symptoms of eating disorders. Attitude-related symptoms include:

• Self-worth based on weight and control of eating
• Feeling that eating is out of control
• Depression/anxiety
• Guilt/shame/disgusted by eating behaviors

More information on binge eating disorder.

You can read more about symptoms of these other types of eating disorders here:

1. Eating Disorder NOS
2. Night Eating Syndrome
3. Orthorexia
4. Pica
5. Prader-Willi Syndrome
6. Rumination
7. Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder

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Types of eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. Eating disorders are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences for both women and men. In the eating disorders list below, you'll find these disorders typically involve starvation, purging, and binge eating behaviors.

The following is a list of eating disorders and their symptoms.

Types of Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa

First on the eating disorders list is Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexia is characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.

The following are common anorexia symptoms:

• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level
• Intense fear of weight gain or being "fat"
• Feeling "fat" or overweight despite dramatic weight loss
• Loss of menstrual periods
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Information on the treatment of anorexia.

Bulimia Nervosa

Second on our list of eating disorders is Bulimia nervosa, which centers around the bingeing and purging of food. Bulimia includes eating excessive amounts of food in short periods of time (often in secret), then getting rid of the food and calories through vomiting, enemas, laxative abuse, or over-exercising.

Common symptoms include:

• Repeated episodes of bingeing and purging
• Feeling out of control during a binge and eating beyond the point of comfortable fullness
• Purging after a binge, typically by self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills, diuretics, excessive exercise, or fasting
• Frequent dieting
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Information on the treatment of bulimia nervosa.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (also known as compulsive overeating) is characterized primarily by periods of compulsive, uncontrolled, continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets, and often feelings of shame or self-hatred after a binge. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.

Information on the treatment of binge eating disorder.

Other Types of Eating Disorders

This eating disorders list includes disorders which are a combination of the signs and symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other disordered eating behavior. These types of eating disorders may, or may not, be officially recognized as a specific mental illness, but any time eating behaviors cause distress, they should be evaluated by a professional.

You can read more about these other types of eating disorders here:

1. Eating Disorder NOS
2. Night Eating Syndrome
3. Orthorexia
4. Pica
5. Prader-Willi Syndrome
6. Rumination
7. Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder

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Almost everyone worries about their weight, at least occasionally. People with different types of eating disorders take such concerns to extremes, developing abnormal eating habits that threaten their wellbeing and even their lives. This eating disorder information answers the question "What are eating disorders?" and explains the types of eating disorders, who are at risk, the causes as well as treatment issues.

What Are the Different Kinds of Eating Disorders?

While there are over ten different eating disorders, the following eating disorder information focuses on the three most common ones:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Those with anorexia nervosa (often just referred to as anorexia) have a distorted body image causing them to see themselves as overweight even when they're dangerously thin. They refuse to eat, exercise compulsively, and develop unusual eating habits such as refusing to eat in front of others; they lose large amounts of weight and may even starve to death.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Those with bulimia nervosa (often referred to as just bulimia) eat excessive quantities of food, and then purge their bodies of the food and calories by using laxatives, enemas, diuretics, vomiting and/or exercising. Often acting in secret, they feel disgusted and ashamed as they binge, yet relieved of tension and negative emotions once they have purged.
• Binge Eating Disorder: People with binge eating disorder experience frequent episodes of out-of-control eating, similar to bulimia; however, eating disorder information indicates binge eaters don't purge their bodies of excess calories.

Research emphasizes the importance of preventing problematic eating behaviors from evolving into full-fledged eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia, for example, usually are preceded by very strict dieting and weight loss. Binge eating disorder can begin with occasional bingeing. Whenever eating behaviors start having a destructive impact on someone's functioning or self-image, it's time to become educated, research in-depth information about eating disorders, and see a trained mental health professional, such as a licensed psychologist experienced in treatment for eating disorders.

Who Suffers From Eating Disorders?

According to eating disorders information provided by the National Institute of Mental Health, adolescent and young women account for 90 percent of cases. But eating disorders aren't just a problem for teenage girls, as is so often depicted in the media. Older women, men, and boys can also develop disorders (Eating Disorder Facts: Who Gets Eating Disorders?). An increasing number of ethnic minorities are also falling prey to these devastating illnesses.

People sometimes have eating disorders without their families or friends ever suspecting they have a problem. Aware their behavior is abnormal, but perhaps not understanding why, people with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating may withdraw from social contact, hide their behavior and deny their eating patterns are problematic. Making an accurate diagnosis requires the involvement of a licensed psychologist or other appropriate health professional.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

Certain psychological factors predispose people to develop eating disorders. Dysfunctional families or relationships are one factor. Personality traits are commonly noted in research and other literature as also contributing. Most people with eating disorders suffer from low self-esteem, perfectionism, feelings of helplessness and intense dissatisfaction with the way they look. Physical factors, such as genetics, also may play a role in putting people at risk. (read: Many Causes of Eating Disorders)

A wide range of situations can precipitate eating disorders in susceptible individuals. Some examples are:

• Family members or friends may repeatedly tease people about their bodies, not aware this can be harmful.
• Individuals may be participating in gymnastics or other sports that emphasize low weight or a certain body image.
• Negative emotions or traumas such as rape, abuse, or the death of a loved one can also trigger eating disorders.
• Even a happy event, such as giving birth, can lead to eating disorders because of the stressful impact of the event on an individual's new role and body image.

Unfortunately, once people start engaging in abnormal eating behaviors, the problem can perpetuate itself.

Why is it Important to Seek Treatment for Eating Disorders?

Eating disorder information and research indicates eating disorders are one of the psychological problems least likely to be treated. But eating disorders don't often go away on their own and leaving them untreated can have serious consequences. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates one in ten anorexia cases ends in death from starvation, suicide or medical complications like heart attacks or kidney failure.

Eating disorders can devastate the body. People are often unaware of the physical health problems and complications associated with eating disorders. They include:

• Anemia
• Heart palpitations
• Hair and bone loss
• Tooth decay
• Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis)
• Cessation of menstruation
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Other problems associated with obesity or starvation

Eating disorders are also associated with other mental illnesses. Researchers are unsure whether the eating disorder causes the mental illness or vice versa. What is clear, however, is that people with eating disorders suffer higher rates of other mental illness - including depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse - than other people.

Find out where to get help for eating disorders.

Medical Professionals Aid in Eating Disorder Recovery

Through eating disorders therapy, psychologists play a vital role in the successful treatment of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. They are integral members of the multidisciplinary team required to provide patient care and can be one of the sources of eating disorder information.

Other members of this team include:

• Physician: to provide medical information, to rule out medical illnesses, determine any harm done to the person with the eating disorder, and provide medical attention, if necessary; prescribe medication, if necessary
• Nutritionist: to help assess, provide information on healthy eating, and improve nutritional intake

Once the physician has ruled out medical complications, and possibly a nutritionist has been consulted, a psychologist identifies important issues needing attention. He will use the information gathered from the patient and others, including family members, to develop a treatment plan. This treatment plan could include:

• Teaching eating disorder information about the causes and effects of the disorder
• Using therapy to help the patient understand what lead to the eating disorder and replace destructive thoughts and behaviors with more positive ones
• Working with the patient to focus on health rather than weight
• Requesting the patient keep a food diary as a way of becoming more aware of the types of situations that trigger eating patterns

Changing a patient's thoughts and behaviors, and providing information is not enough, however. To ensure lasting improvement, psychologists and patients must work together to explore the psychological issues underlying the eating disorder.

To accomplish that, the following may be added to aid in the changing of thoughts and behaviors:

• Psychotherapy focusing on improving a patient's personal relationships
• Psychotherapy to help patients get beyond the situation that initially triggered the eating disordered behavior
• Group therapy to provide support and informal eating disorder information
• Family or marital therapy to improve relationships, and teach others about the condition and how to cope with it at home
• Medication, particularly in bulimia

In-depth information on eating disorder recovery here.

Does Treatment Really Work?

Yes. Most eating disorders can be treated successfully by appropriately trained health and mental health care professionals. However, for many patients, treatment may need to be long-term and must initially include learning information about eating disorders.

Remember: The sooner treatment starts, the better. The longer abnormal eating patterns continue, the more deeply ingrained they become and the more difficult they are to treat.

Eating disorders can severely impair people's functioning and health. However, research indicates the prospects for long-term recovery are good for most people who seek help from appropriate professionals. Qualified therapists, such as licensed psychologists with experience in this area, can help those who suffer from eating disorders regain control of their eating behaviors and their lives.

Hopefully, we've answered the question: "What are eating disorders?" More specific information follows.

More Eating Disorders Articles

• Types of Eating Disorders: List of Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorder Symptoms
• Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder
• Eating Problems: Signs You May Have an Eating Problem
• Eating Attitudes Test: Do I Have an Eating Disorder?
• Eating Disorder Health Problems and Complications
• Types of Treatment for Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorder Treatment Center and Facilities
• Medications for Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders Therapy: Psychotherapy and Group Therapy
• Eating Disorder Support Groups

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