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Eating Disorders

It is estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder. The term "eating disorder" refers to a variety of psychiatric illnesses common in our society today. The three most common types include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. Each disorder involves unrealistic, distorted thinking about appearance, body weight, and food. Obsessive behaviors in eating and exercise result which can significantly affect health by causing nutritional deficiencies and impaired body function. In fact, eating disorders are known to have the highest death rate of any mental illness. Having any type of eating disorder is serious and requires treatment.

Low self-esteem appears to be the most common trait seen in people suffering from all eating disorders. In addition, the following k (More)

Understanding Eating Disorders

  • Eating Disorders: Complex Conditions
  • Eating Disorders (The Body Image & Health Task Force)
  • Eating Disorders Fact Sheets (OSU Extention)
  • Eating Disorders Information (National Eating Disorders Association)
  • Eating Disorders: From the NIH
  • Body Image
  • Body Image (Office on Women's Health)

    • Commonly Asked Questions

  • Can an Eating Disorder Affect Creatine Levels in Urine?
  • Can You Help Me?
  • Did My Daughter Develop an Eating Disorder After Pregnancy?
  • Does My Child Have an Eating Disorder?
  • Does my Infant Have an Eating Disorder?
  • How Can I Convince my Friend to Get Help?
  • How Does Bulimia Affect the Teeth?
  • Is It Possible for a Senior Citizen to Develop an Eating Disorder?
  • Is This an Eating Disorder?
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    • Additional Information

  • Symptoms and Tests
  • Treatment
  • Complications
  • Research Studies

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    Related Topics and Conditions

    Anorexia Nervosa
    Binge Eating Disorder
    Bulimia Nervosa

    Last Updated: Apr 22, 2013