Eating disorders are complex problems in which food, eating and body image difficulties become the language through which a person’s concerns about themselves are expressed. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are serious disorders in which a person may experience emotional, psychological and social difficulties as well as numerous physical complications.

The number of people suffering from eating disorders appears to be on the rise. While not a frequent occurrence, people sometimes die from an eating disorder. Furthermore, there are several associated problems that are more likely to occur for those with eating disorders including depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, addictions, personality disorders, self-esteem deficits and a variety of physical problems including osteoporosis, infertility, gastrointestinal damage, etc. Approximately 90per cent of individuals diagnosed with eating disorders are female.
 
Eating disorders have many causes. Self-esteem and identity concerns, family factors, socio-cultural influences, difficulties coping with stressful/traumatic situations, and excessive dieting contribute to the development of an eating disorder.

Eating disorders have more to do with how one sees oneself in the world than they do with eating .