Undereating and eating followed by purging are behaviors that signal two disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia. However, they are not the only ways that eating is dysfunctional, as our multimillion dollar weight loss industry shows.

Eating poorly or dysfunctionally can be caused by many situations. These situations include poverty, low self-esteem, sexual abuse, troubles with gender identification or roles, the inability to express emotions, perceived powerlessness, dietary misinformation, gratification needs, and many others.

Eating disorders can be deadly if not treated.

Tips for Dealing with Someone with an Eating Disorder

• Be supportive without pushing.
• Don't talk about food or push them to eat.
• Try not to get into discussions about weight, diet or eating patterns.
• Talk in terms of alternatives and choices.
• Remember they need to feel that they have control.
• You as a friend or family member can only do so much.
• Try not to focus attention on the person with the eating disorder.
• Have eating disorder information available.

Suggestions for Coping with Friends and Family

• Find ways to have time for yourself.
• Find a support group to share your concerns.
• Try not to put high expectations on yourself.
• Have a place to go when you want to get away.
• Learn relaxation techniques to help during the stressful times.

Increasing self-esteem increases healthy relationships to food and eating. When people feel good, food becomes less important and life becomes more interesting and exciting.

For many people there are powerful factors that stop them from being able to tap these sources of self-esteem. Some people find that working with a qualified counselor helps build self-esteem and discover that they can overcome an eating disorder.