Individuals suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia have distorted images of themselves. These disorders are characterized by an unhealthy attitude toward food. People with anorexia, for example, have a strong tendency to evade food intake for fear of gaining additional weight. Those with bulimia exert extra effort to avoid weight gain; they binge and purge. As a result, neither gets sufficient nutrients the body needs.

Families and others concerned can intervene for loved ones suffering eating disorders. In fact, bulimia treatment centers encourage intervention in practically all eating disorder programs. An intervention is the process of actively assisting a loved one to change unacceptable behavior. Although intervention is typically done to address addiction problems, this process can also be used in problems involving the need for nursing home or medical care.

Too often, individuals with anorexia, bulimia and/or compulsive overeating disorders resist change until such time when they hit the bottom. These are individuals that need treatment but have constantly refuse eating disorder help for several reasons. Families and friends should then be consistent in their efforts to support their loved ones through treatment and recovery.

Eating disorder recovery among those with eating disorders is definitely possible as long as there is sufficient and constant support from families, friends, and others who have a caring, significant relationship to the individual with eating disorders.