Eating disorders continue to be on the increase in today's society.

Half of the girls and one-third of the boys said they were dissatisfied with their size in a study of children aged 8 to 10. Girls wanted to be thinner while boys wanted to be heavier.

More than 50 percent of adolescent girls from diverse racial and economic backgrounds in the U.S. say they are overweight and dieting.

One out of every 4 college-aged women has an eating disorder

In the United States alone, 7-10 million women and girls have active, destructive eating disorders.

As many as a million men may also struggle with the disease!

Certain athletic activities appear to put people at risk for developing eating disorders. Body builders, wrestlers, dancers, swimmers, runners, rowers, gymnasts and jockeys are prone to eating disorder due to the weight restrictions necessitated by their sports.

The onset of anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating can occur at any time in a person's life.

The reasons for the development of an eating disorder may vary, but the internal feelings are the same. Feelings of self-hate, worthlessness and low self-esteem are common. The perception is that one must have the "perfect body" which equates to thinness.

One thing that people can "control" in their lives is their body "image". A common misconception is that the "ideal" weight will indicate the perfect life.

Develop self-love
Find inner peace
Improve health and well being
Be in control of your mind and body
Improve relationships

Because eating disorders are life-threatening illnesses, you must be under the care of a physician or psychiatrist before beginning treatment.