There are certain endeavors where eating orders are more prevalent. Thinness is usually emphasized in these professions. The endeavors are, but not limited to: modeling, dancing, gymnastics, wrestling, and long-distance running. The two most common is Bulimia and Anorexia.

Bulimia

Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological eating disorder. Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control (purging). Inappropriate methods of weight control include vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, or compulsive exercising. Excessive shape and weight concerns are also characteristics of bulimia. A binge is an episode where an individual eats a much larger amount of food than most people would in a similar situation. Binge eating is not a response to intense hunger. It is usually a response to depression, stress, or self esteem issues. During the binge episode, the individual experiences a loss of control. However, the sense of a loss of control is also followed by a short-lived calmness. The calmness is often followed by self-loathing. The cycle of overeating and purging usually becomes an obsession and is repeated often.

Bulimia was only diagnosed as its own eating disorder in the 1980s. People with bulimia can look perfectly normal. Most of them are of normal weight, and some may be overweight. Women with bulimia tend to be high achievers. It is often difficult to determine whether a person is suffering from Bulimia. This occurs because binging and purging is often done in secret. Also, individuals suffering from Bulimia often deny their condition.

Sufferers consume huge quantities of food. Sometimes up to 20,000 calories at a time. The foods on which they binge tend to be foods labeled as "comfort foods" -- sweet foods, high in calories, or smooth, soft foods like ice cream, cake, and pastry. An individual may binge anywhere from twice a day to several times daily.

There are many sources and websites that can offer information on the various eating disorders. Here are some you might check out:

EATING DISORDERS AND ATHLETES by Merrell Noden

Radar Programs: On Compulsive Overeating, Anorexia and Bulimia

Various Eating Disorder Topics: American Academy of Pediatrics

The Cost of Winning: Teen Athletes & Eating Disorders by Janet Lepke

ORGANIZATIONS
American Anorexia / Bulimia Association, Inc. (AABA)
133 Cedar Lane
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 836-1800
Disseminates free educational information to students, family members, sufferers and 
others, offers nationwide referrals and publishes a newsletter.

Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)  
Box 7
Highland Park, IL 60035
(708) 831-3438
ANAD maintains lists of qualified therapists and support groups across the United States and in some foreign countries. It also publishes a newsletter and information packets that it will send on request.

Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders. Inc. (ANRED)  
P.O. Box 5102
Eugene, OR 97405
(503) 344-1144
ANRED provides a nationwide referral service. It also publishes a newsletter and general information that it will send on request.

National Anorexic Aid Society (NAAS)
1925 E. Dublin-Granville Road
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 436-1112 or (614) 846-2833
NAAS Provides referral services in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. It also offers a newsletter and additional information on eating disorders.