Anorexia (an-a-REX-ee-uh) nervosa (ner-VO-sa) is an eating disorder that involves self-imposed starvation. It appears to result from a distorted self-image, and an intense fear of being overweight.

Most people enjoy eating. It's not only pleasurable, but also necessary to sustain life. However, some people become so focused on food that it becomes an addiction.

Bulimia (bull-EE-mee-uh) nervosa (ner-VOSE-ah) is an eating disorder in which a person eats compulsively and then attempts to compensate through self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or exercise.

A compulsive eater is generally defined as someone who organizes thoughts and experiences around food. Nearly all of the emotions the compulsive eater experiences, including fear, guilt, anticipation, and pleasure, will generally have something to do with food.

People with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa sometimes use laxatives as a means to decrease their body weight. The use of laxatives is extremely habit-forming, and a tolerance is easily built-up.

Eating disorders result from the misuse of food, either by over-eating or by under-eating. The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.