<p>Eating disorders are a group of conditions in which the afflicted demonstrate eating habits which are detrimental to their physical and mental health. Eating disorders are commonly attributed to women, in which 5-7% of the population is affected, though roughly 10% of patients seeking professional medical help for eating disorders are men. According to psychologists, eating disorders are attributed to people with abnormally low weight, an intense preoccupation with gaining weight or body image, and the absence of three periods in post-menarche females. A particular eating disorder known as anorexia nervosa presents in two forms. In the first form, afflicted persons will restrict their diets well below the advisable daily caloric intake. Persons may completely remove carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from their diet, eating only small portions of fiber. The second form occurs when person follow an eating cycle of binging and purging. Persons with this form of anorexia nervosa will go long periods without eating before overeating for period of time. Binge and purge cycles differ from bulimia in that they are usually the result of bodily demands for nutrients, instead of emotional compulsion. Another type of eating disorder is called bulimia nervosa. The disorder has similar effects on the body as anorexia, however, the bulimia’s mechanism is different. Instead of restricting their diets, those who suffer from bulimia nervosa will frequently enter into binge/purge cycles. The afflicted will consume large amounts of food and then induce vomiting after meals in order to negate the caloric intake. If you, or someone you know, show signs of an eating disorder, then medical officials should be contacted right away. Eating disorders can be caused by psychological conditions which may be treated through clinical therapy. Support from family and friends are essential in helping a person afflicted by an eating disorder recover.</p>