Eating disorders are diseases that cause serious disturbances in the way people eat and in the thoughts and emotions related to eating. Typically, individuals with eating disorders become obsessed with their weight.33
Generally, people who suffer from these disorders are extremely critical of their body, revealing an intense fear of gaining weight. Even if they have normal weight, or even underweight, they tend to feel fat. Often, people with these disorders do not recognize that they have a health problem. 33
In many cases, eating disorders are associated with other disorders such as anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and alcohol and drug abuse problems. New evidence suggests that heredity may play a role in the onset of eating disorders, but these diseases also affect people without cases in the family. If the physical and psychological symptoms are not treated, eating disorders can trigger potentially fatal conditions, such as malnutrition and the risk of sudden cardiac death. However, with proper medical care, people suffering from anorexia or bulimia nervosa can resume proper eating habits and return to a healthy lifestyle.33