Eating disorders affect some several million people at any given time, most often women between the ages of 12 and 35. Eating disorders are common in America between 5 and 10 million people have them, and experts estimate that 1 % of adolescent girls develop anorexia. Another 2 to 3 % of young women develop bulimia. These eating disorders also occur in men and older women, but much less frequently.

Eating disorders involve serious disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme and unhealthy reduction of food intake or severe overeating, as well as feelings of distress or extreme concern about body shape or weight.

The main types of eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia.  Eating disorders frequently develop during adolescence or early adulthood, but some reports indicate their onset can occur during childhood or later in adulthood.

People with this disorder see themselves as overweight even though they are dangerously thin. The process of eating becomes an obsession. Unusual eating habits develop, such as avoiding food and meals, picking out a few foods and eating these in small quantities, or carefully weighing and portioning food.

Eating disorders often are long-term illnesses that may require long-term treatment and frequently co-occur with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorder

Without treatment of both the emotional and physical symptoms of these disorders, malnutrition, heart problems, and other potentially fatal conditions can result. However, with proper medical care, those suffering from eating disorders can resume suitable eating habits, and return to better emotional and psychological health.