An eating disorder is a serious mental illness that profoundly affects the lives of those suffering, as well as friends and family members who share concern.

Anorexia Nervosa is defined by a refusal to maintain a normal body weight through self starvation leading to excessive weight loss. This disorder is fueled by an intense fear of gaining weight and a perceptual disturbance of actual body weight.

Bulimia Nervosa is defined by binge eating behaviors coupled with compensatory behaviors. These compensatory methods include vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise, and self-starvation. Such behaviors are utilized with the intent to compensate for binge eating behaviors.

While Binge Eating Disorder has been treated by mental health professionals for many years, it has only become recognized as a diagnosable mental disorder.

Eating Disorder NOS may be defined by a variety of excessive or dangerous eating behaviors and unhealthy attitudes regarding body image. Many of these behaviors are present in the above eating disorders.