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Prevention and Diagnosis of Eating Disorders

PREVENTION
     Increasing interest and concern about eating disorders has been demonstrated in both the public and private sectors but research into prevention has been limited. Although many risk factors for developing eating disorders have been identified, efforts at prevention have so far been disappointing. A few studies have attempted to intervene in high-risk groups with mixed results.

     Attitudes that lay the groundwork for developing eating disorders occur as early as fourth or fifth grade or younger, making prevention a major challenge. Better success has been accomplished in early detection and treatment of individuals with eating disorders.

DIAGNOSES
     Because of the secretive habits of many individuals with eating disorders, their conditions often go undiagnosed for long periods of time. In the cases of anorexia nervosa, signs such as extreme weight loss are more visible. Bulimics who maintain normal body weight, on the other hand, may be able to hide their condition to the casual observer. Family members and friends might notice some of the following warning signs of an eating disorder:

Related Links
Body Changes
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Eating Disorder not Otherwise Specified (ENDOS)
Facts About Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders & Side Effects
Population Differences
Causes of Eating Disorders
Treatment & Recovery
Types Of Eating Disorders
Guys & Body Image
Overweight Teens
Healthy Body Image