Eating disorders are serious illnesses marked by severe disturbances to one’s eating behaviors. Although many people may be concerned about their health, weight, or appearance from time to time, some people become fixated or obsessed with weight loss, body weight or shape, and controlling their food intake. These may be signs of an eating disorder.
Eating disorders are not a choice. These disorders can adversely affect a person’s physical and mental health, and in some cases, they can be life-threatening. With treatment, however, people can recover from eating disorders.
