Eating disorders are described as an illness involving irregular eating habits and extreme concern about body image or weight. Eating disorders tend to appear during adolescence, but can develop at any age. Although they are more common in women, eating disorders can affect any age, gender or race. In the United States, more than 20 million women and 10 million men are personally affected by eating disorders. There are many different causes of eating disorders, such as low self-esteem, social pressures, sexual abuse, and victims' perception of food. Eating disorders are unique to the sufferer, and often their perception of themselves is so distorted that they may not be aware they have an eating disorder. The media has long played a significant role in eating disorders. Magazines with headlines "Summer Body" or "Drop LB's Fast!" attract the attention of girls who may be insecure about themselves. Television productions like the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show or America's Next Top Model feature airbrushed and Photoshopped women who have body types that may be unattainable. Those suffering from eating disorders can suffer dangerous consequences and it is important to seek help. There are three main eating disorders; anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. All three do not discriminate based on age, gender or race. They can affect anyone, of any size, and many people don't even know they have one of these diseases. Anorexia nervosa is described as immense restriction of food intake, fear of gaining weight and self-esteem are related to weight. Binge eating disorder involves eating large amounts of food without trying to get rid of it, feeling out of control and feeling ashamed when you binge. B...... half article ...... eating disorders. Overall, eating disorders are a very sensitive topic and can be affected by anyone, regardless of background, weight, age or gender. Anyone can be diagnosed with an eating disorder. It is important to teach children healthy eating and exercise habits. Different forms of treatment are available, such as patient treatments, cell phone apps, and therapies to teach you how to overcome an eating disorder. Each eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and bulimia nervosa, may respond better to different forms of treatment, and each patient is different in what will work best for them to overcome. Support from family and friends is necessary to work through treatment and be strong enough to address an eating disorder once treatment is finished. Eating disorders are easy to get, but with the right treatment they can be defeated.