An eating disorder is a psychological disorder having to do with how a person eats. A person without an eating disorder eats when hungry, but a person with an eating disorder changes their eating habits in extreme ways.

People who are unhappy with their size or shape or how they look can be at risk for developing an eating disorder. The two most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

People with anorexia nervosa, most often called just “anorexia,” become obsessed with how much food they eat. They may be very skinny, but when they look in the mirror, they think they’re fat. They may be stressed about other things in their lives, like school or problems with family or a relationship. Whether they realize it or not, they feel that if they can control what they eat, they can control their other problems too.

People who are bulimic binge on large quantities of food, then vomit or take laxatives to get the food out of their bodies quickly. This is called “binging and purging.” People with bulimia sometimes use food to calm emotions or to feel better about themselves. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work. Some people with anorexia will also go through phases when they are bulimic as well, and vice versa.

Eating disorders are caused by complex emotions, usually having to do with how people feel about themselves. Some think eating disorders are something a person can “just snap out of.” But that’s just not true. Eating disorders are bad for your health and can even lead to death. People with eating disorders need counseling from mental health professionals who are specifically trained in these issues. They also need support from their families and friends. That support includes not judging the person and being patient and understanding as they work through their eating disorder. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, please see the resources below. Also, talk with a trusted adult—a parent, teacher, school counselor, coach, neighbor or relative, for example. Ask for help.

For more information, check out the National Eating Disorders Association and the The Renfrew Center. You can also call The Renfrew Center at 1-800-REN-FREW (736-3739), Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.--5 p.m. EST.