Although they do affect primarily women, eating disorders strike millions of people of all ages and sexes, and the numbers of those suffering from the variety of symptoms and conditions are rising every day. There may not be one definitive reason for this, or for the incidence of any individual's eating disorder, but there is a range of factors that can include

• stressful or traumatic life experience
• a high sensitivity towards lifestyle changes
• family separations or losses
• media influence
• uncontrolled dieting
• socioeconomic or sociocultural influences
• potential for genetic predisposition

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most publicized eating disorders because of the severity of its visible signs. The condition is marked by diminished body weight, an extreme fear of gaining weight, irregular menstrual cycles in women, reduced libido and a markedly distorted body image. When anorexia is severe or long-term, it can develop into a life-threatening condition resulting in starvation, malnutrition, dehydration, osteoporosis, major organ malfunctions, and even death. Although the condition may start out as simple dieting, it can develop into a severe psychological condition in which the sufferer is not aware of their problem. It is a difficult condition to recover from, but there is life after anorexia with the proper treatment, personalized medical attention, and therapeutic care.

Bulimia, often confused with anorexia, is an eating disorder in which a large amount of food is taken in, usually in secret and with a lack of control. Unlike a binge eating, another eating disorder, a bulimic's binges are followed by cycles of purging often aided with laxatives, diuretics or enemas. Much of the food a bulimic consumes is also purged by self-induced vomiting, or by periods of fasting in order to prevent any unwanted weight gain. Bulimia is an equally life-threatening disorder and should be addressed as soon as it is suspected.

Anorexia, Bulimia and binge eating are all serious eating disorders that can be addressed with medical attention. Most treatment for these eating disorders include nutritional and psychological counseling as well as, in some cases, medication. Contact your physician or primary health care provider today if you suspect that you or a loved one may be struggling with an eating disorder. Your physician can provide you with specialist referrals, diagnoses, medical treatment, and access to a registered dieticians who can create diet plans to fit your or your loved ones health needs.