These afflictions are all serious eating disorders and are gaining more attention by the media.

Do you persistently ask yourself if the things you eat are good for you? Is your food fresh, low calorie, well cooked, full of vitamins and minerals, enough fiber, too much fat, etc., etc? The next question you should ask yourself is if this is an obsessive behavior? If you diet because you like to diet, you are on a dangerous path. A diet is an aid to achieve a goal and once the goal is achieved the diet should stop. Common sense? Should be. If you think you might be a victim of an eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia or binge eating, read on.

They are all serious behavior problems. Anorexia nervosa is becoming too thin and not eating enough because you think you are fat. Bulimia is overeating followed by purging, either self-induced or from laxative use. Binge-eating is out-of-control eating.

Eating disorders begin with preoccupations with food and weight and are most often about much more than food. The conditions are complex and come from a combination of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal and social factors. People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming.

For some, dieting, binging, and purging may be risk factors for developing an eating disorder:

• Most often female, ages 12-35
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life
• Depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness
• Troubled family and personal relationships
• Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings
• History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight
• History of physical or sexual abuse

Cultural pressures that glorify "thinness" and place value on obtaining the "perfect body"

Cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and strengths begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and are a way to feel in control of one’s life. Ultimately, though, these behaviors damage a person’s physical and emotional health, self-esteem, sense of competence and control.

Research is on biochemical or biological causes of eating disorders. Eating disorders often run in families. Research indicates that there are genetic contributions to eating disorders.