They often make remarks or suggestions to lose weight, not realizing that they may trigger disordered eating. If we are talking about anorexia, we have a tougher problem. This condition is the most lethal one in all of mental health. Between 10 and 20 percent of those who are anorexic die from the condition, either from cardiac problems or suicide. So success might be just staying alive.
Many people struggle with an eating disorder for years.
On average, anorexics have the problem for 6 years, though for many it is life long. Eating disorders are often like musical chairs. The person who is anorexic at 14 may become bulimic at 18. When she is 28, she may tumble into compulsive overeating and become obese. From my point of view, success involves learning to cope with life more successfully.