The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. Many individuals had not eaten in restaurants for years because they could not control the precise carbohydrate and protein content of their food. People with this condition frequently take steroids to build bigger muscles, but they are still disappointed with their bodies. Preliminary evidence suggests that Body Dysmorphic Disorder is diagnosed with equal frequency in men and women. The other eating conditions mentioned affect both men and women, but women much more frequently.
Many individuals begin dieting, a widely accepted behavior in our society.
The problem is that for some people, their dieting begins a cycle of feeling out of control with food, obsessing about weight and appearance and feeling like this struggle defines who they are. Tomorrow's article will discuss the treatment options available to individuals with eating disorders. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.