ABSTRACT
Many researchers agree that dieting plays an important role in the onset and maintenance of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (Abraham & Beumont, 1982; Agras & Kirkley, 1986; Davis, Freeman, & Garner, 1988; Garfinkel & Garner, 1982; Johnson & Connors, 1987; Polivy & Herman, 1985, 1987; Polivy, Herman, Olmsted, & Jazwinski, 1984; Rosen, Tacy, & Howell, 1990; Russell, 1979; Vanderheyden, Fekken, & Boland, 1988; Williamson, 1990). Yet not all dieters become bulimics or anorexics, and there are important differences between simple dieters and those with more serious eating disorders (Herman & Polivy, 1988; Polivy, 1989; Polivy & Herman, 1985, 1987; Ruderman & Grace, 1987, 1988). This chapter examines the possible progression from dieting to binge eating and clinical eating disorders.
