Eating Disorders

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa is a syndrome characterized by extreme weight loss, body-image disturbance, and an intense fear of becoming obese. Bulimia is a syndrome distinct from anorexia nervosa and is characterized by secretive binge-eating episodes followed by self-induced vomiting, fasting, or the use of laxatives or diuretics. Bulimic symptoms can also be part of the anorexia nervosa syndrome. An intense preoccupation with food is common to both syndromes, with mild or marked weight fluctuations in bulimia and severe weight loss in anorexia. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia affect as many as 5 to 10 per cent of adolescent girls and young women, . . .