Explores the causes and treatments of eating disorders.

Chapter 1. Are eating disorders a serious problem? -- 1. Eating disorders are a growing threat to public health / Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions -- 2. The threat of eating disorders is distorted / Malcolm Evans -- 3. Eating disorders are a growing problem among African American women / Tedra Coakley -- 4. Eating disorders are a growing problem among Asian American women / Elaine Low -- 5. Binge eating disorder is linked to obesity and other health problems / Sara Selis -- 6. The obesity epidemic is a myth that promotes unhealthy weight loss / Linda Bacon -- Chapter 2. What causes eating disorders? -- 1. Genetics play a significant role in eating disorders / Johanna S. Kandel -- 2. Genetics may not play a significant role in eating disorders / Simona Giordano -- 3. Cultural obsession with thinness is harmful / Michelle M. Lelwica -- 4. Some perceptions of thinness are unfair and harmful / Julia Cheng -- 5. The fashion industry promotes eating disorders / Jessica Bennett -- 6. The fashion industry should not be held responsible for eating disorders / Lisa Hilton -- 7. Binge eating is linked to genetic and environmental factors / Cynthia M. Bulik -- Chapter 3. What role does the Internet play in eating disorders? -- 1. Pro-ana websites are dangerous / Lauren Cox -- 2. Some eating disorders websites offer support / Jaclyn Gallucci -- 3. Thinspiration videos are misguided attempts at artistic expression / Virginia Heffernan -- 4. Pro-ana websites should be regulated / Royal College of Psychiatrists -- 5. Pro-ana websites should not be regulated / Adam Thierer -- Chapter 4. How should eating disorders be treated? -- 1. Involuntary treatment for anorexia is justified / Cornelia Thiels -- 2. Involuntary treatment for anorexia may not be justified in some cases / Avis Rumney -- 3. Family therapy is an effective treatment for anorexia / Julie Deardorff -- 4. Acceptance and commitment therapy is an effective treatment for eating disorders / Kathy Kater -- 5. Antidepressants are effective in the treatment of bulimia / Michael J. Gitlin -- 6. A structure eating plan can control binge eating / Jane E. Brody.