Our society sends out mixed messages about food, messages which are contradictory and very destructive. On the one hand we are bombarded with images of delicious food and urged to eat, eat, eat. These mixed messages combined with other factors can lead some to develop problems with their eating habits. Eating disorders develop over time. In our culture dieting has become the norm.
Studies show that many eating disorders begin when dieting gets out of control.
Eating disorders are about 10 times as common in women as in men. Many college-age women restrict food intake, resulting in severe weight loss. These practices lead to secrecy and isolation, guilt and shame, and other negative feelings about oneself. Often Signal Eating Problems 1. Not eating very much at all, usually in an attempt to stay thin, or 2.