ABSTRACT
Eating disorders should be more correctly termed ‘dieting disorders’ as they represent a disordered diet. The commonest disorder in the world these days is obesity although this is rarely considered a mental health problem. Obesity is associated with many physical problems such as osteoarthritis, diabetes and heart disease. It also causes psychological problems as it can destroy a person’s confidence and self-worth. It has been linked with poorer career prospects and other forms of discrimination. What distinguishes it from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is that many people who are obese lead active, full and normal lives. Those with an anorexia nervosa or bulimia have all got psychological problems and many will have associated physical problems.
