"Eating disorders happen when someone’s relationship to food spirals out of control. This could manifest in all sorts of ways. Some people eat too much, some eat too little, and others struggle with the physical act of eating. Eating disorders generally occur because people develop complicated relationships with food or their bodies. They may try to control their bodies through exercise, medicine, or diets. Others may use food to soothe painful feelings. Eating disorders don’t simply cause emotional distress. They can also cause physical health problems. In severe cases, they may even be fatal. Typically, recovery from eating and food issues is a long and difficult process. Behavioral health therapy is usually an important part of recovery. Some therapies are short term, requiring about four months. Others can last years. Typical treatment goals include: Stop harmful behaviors like purging Build good eating habits Bring weight to a healthy level Treat associated mental health conditions like anxiety or PTSD Develop healthy coping skills Recovery isn’t only about physical well-being. Recovery involves reclaiming your identity and creating a healthy relationship with your body. In therapy, you can develop a sense of self that doesn’t revolve around diet or appearance. "