Eating Disorders

The Eating Disorders topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders. Conditions in this topic include anorexia, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorders, and eating disorders not otherwise specified. Research on weight loss due to illness or therapeutic treatments, such as cancer or chemotherapy, is not included.

Eating disorders are serious illnesses marked by severe disturbances in a person’s eating behaviors and relationship to food. Although many people may be concerned about their health, weight, or appearance on occasion, some become fixated or obsessed with weight loss, body weight, or shape, and controlling their food intake. These fixations may be signs of an eating disorder.

Eating disorders are medical conditions that affect a person’s body's ability to get proper nutrition. This can lead to health issues, such as heart and kidney problems, or sometimes even death.