Eating disorders have been a growing problem not only in America but also in other Western countries. The three main eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder (BED). There are other eating disorders which however have similar characteristics to the three disorders indicated above. Many people believe that the cause of these disorders is modeling and its extremely thin and unhealthy models. However, there are other causes that play an important role. Genetics and environment play a vital role in determining whether you are susceptible. Eating disorders, although not well understood, have shocking statistics. Ten million Americans suffer from eating disorders (Natenshon). 87% of these Americans are under the age of twenty (Natenshon). People notice that most young actresses are diagnosed with anorexia. Unfortunately the problem doesn't just affect teenagers. The average age at which eating disorders are diagnosed in America is currently nine to twelve years old (Natenshon). No one suspects that such young children suffer from these gigantic disorders, yet they start younger and younger with each passing generation. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that by the time girls reached eighth grade, 50 percent of them were on a diet, which has been shown to pose a greater risk of obesity, and 10 percent were on a self-induced diet. vomiting (Natenshon). Many people don't suspect that preteens, or even teenagers, can commit such atrocities on their own bodies, but these statistics show otherwise. Another misconception is that only women develop eating disorders. Although predominantly female, the number of males with eating disorders has doubled in the last ten years (Natenshon). The number of people with… half of the paper… To cure these eating disorders, these problems must be addressed and resolved. If these problems are not addressed, people with these disorders will most likely die from complications of their disorders. Works Cited Myers, David. Psychology. 8th. New York, NY: Worth Publishers, 2007. 478-760. Print.Natenshon, Abigail. "Eating disorders". EmpoweredParents (2006): n. page Network. 04 April 2011. .Poppink, Joanna. “Number One Reason for Developing an Eating Disorder.” Healthy Place (2009): 1-3. Network. March 21, 2011. disorders/triumphant-journey/number-one-reason-for-developing-an-eating-disorder/menu-id-1392/>.Yosef, Yehudit Lynn. "Eating Disorders: Causes of Eating Disorders." Self HelpMagazine 28 May 1998: n. page Network. April 11 2011. .