Eating disorders can begin with a simple desire to lose weight. Most of us want to trim off a few unwanted pounds at some point in our lives and once we shed them, we’re satisfied. For some people, losing weight and keeping weight off becomes an obsession that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other irreversible health damage, such as stunted growth, thinning bones, infertility, injury to teeth and internal organs, and death.

Eating disorders are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior. The practice of an eating disorder is a survival mechanism that can be an expression of something that the person has no other way of expressing. Just as an alcoholic uses alcohol to cope, a person with an eating disorder uses eating, purging or restricting to deal with their problems.

Some of the underlying issues that are associated with an eating disorder include low self-esteem, depression, feelings of loss of control, feelings of worthlessness, identity concerns, family communication problems and an inability to cope with emotions.

For those with anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating, every meal is a minefield. Their lives are controlled by food and gaining or losing weight becomes the focus of their existence. They tend to feel guilty, isolated, depressed and ashamed. In response to these feelings, they compulsively overeat, binge purge, and/or starve themselves. All eating disorders have one thing in common; they can be fatal if left untreated.

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About the Author

Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist and author specializing in the treatment of mental health using integrative medicine and natural therapies. She works with individuals, couples, and families at her office in San Jose, California. Dr. Fredricks' publications include the landmark book Healing & Wholeness: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Dr. Randi Fredricks as articles often present the published results of the research of other professionals. Copyright © 2012. To cite this article, please use the following citation: Fredricks, R. (2008). Healing & Wholeness: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health. Bloomington, IN: Author House.