Eating disorders are complex and multidimensional health concerns.  They typically involve an interplay between distorted body image, a disturbed relationship with food and exercise, complicated relationships with others, trauma, unrealistic societal standards of beauty and a genetic pre-dispositioning. Most eating disorders begin in childhood but may not fully develop until adolescence or early adulthood.  Some eating disorders remit with treatment only to resurface later in life.  

 

It is estimated that approximately 36 million Americans struggle with an eating disorder.  The most common of which is binge eating disorder, followed by bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.  It is widely believed that millions more struggle with disordered eating, which can be just as destructive as a clinically diagnosable eating disorder.  

 

Regardless of the label, all challenges with food and body have secrecy and shame attached to them. These powerful emotions often lead to isolation, depression, and anxiety.