What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders involve a serious disturbance in eating habits, including:
-not eating enough
-repeatedly eating too much in a short period of time
-taking drastic measures to rid the body of calories consumed (purging through vomiting; overuse of diuretics or laxatives; excessive exercise; or fasting)
-being constantly concerned over body size and shape
All eating disorders usually have an underlying emotional cause that is expressed through an unhealthy relationship with food. An eating disorder is not a “diet”. While most people consider a diet as a means to get healthier, people with eating disorders see losing weight as a way to improve one’s life, relationships, and self-image. Controlling food and weight becomes a means of hiding pain, anger, fear and other troubling emotions.