They range along a continuum from chronic dieting to compulsive overeating to cycles of binging and purging to self-starvation. While the frequency and severity of the problems differ, they all have in common turning to food as a way to cope with problems. Often, there is an underlying belief that being thinner would be a solution to troubles and demonstrate proof of control in one's life. Eating disorders are common among the college age population. Women are especially vulnerable to eating disorders because of the societal emphasis placed on appearance, external approval, and thinness as an ideal.
Binges involve eating foods for emotional rather than nutritional reasons.
There is a preoccupation with food and a turning to food for comfort when stressed. Compulsive overeating may also be a form of rebellion against the pressure to fit stereotypic social roles or a way to swallow uncomfortable feelings such as anger. Many compulsive overeaters are overweight and some may appear obese. Not all people who are obese, however, are compulsive overeaters. The purge is usually through self-induced vomiting, but it may also be in the form of excessive exercising, restrictive eating, diuretic or laxative abuse.