Eating disorders, such as anorexia, binge-eating, and bulimia, are characterized by an individual displaying extreme behaviors and attitudes about their weight and food issues.

Many feel that eating disorders are common in young girls who have developed these issues through their pubescent years. This, however, is incorrect thinking.

The fact is eating disorders do not discriminate and can be developed by both males and females, as well as those of all ages and races. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 5-15% of individuals that have been diagnosed with an eating disorder and approximately 35% of those diagnosed with binge-eating disorder are male.

While it may be considered more common for females to be diagnosed with eating disorders, males of all ages are being diagnosed, as well. According to research, the two main risk factors for males is their exercise status and their sexual orientation. The media plays a large part on how males, as well as females, think of their own bodies.

Eating disorders do not discriminate on the basis of age, either. While eating disorders seem to be more common in young females, the fact is eating disorders can affect those in their elderly years, as well. More treatment centers are beginning to see women in the fifties and beyond and the unfortunate issue with eating disorders in the elderly is they become more deadly.

Ten years ago a study done by the University of British Columbia concluded that 78 percent of deaths related to anorexia nervosa were that of older people. These eating orders also do not discriminate against race, either.

Many may feel that eating disorders are more common in young, white females. Eating disorders, however, affect people of all races. Research shows that women and men of all races are susceptible to eating disorders and in some countries, such as Argentina, the amount of individuals with eating disorders are three times greater than the United States.

The main stigma attached to eating disorders is that they mostly affect upper or middle class white women. The fact is eating disorders can affect any one and they do not discriminate.

Anybody can develop these mental illnesses. Eating disorders affect those from all socioeconomic groups, as well as all ethnic and cultural groups. Unfortunately, eating disorders are often misdiagnosed, are greatly misunderstood by society, and are becoming a problem for many all over the world.