Monty_Python, you don't know what you're talking about. Both eating disorders and substance dependence disorders are disorders that you are born with and are caused by outside forces. There are strong genetic implications in substance use disorders, and there are genetic and biochemical implications in eating disorders as well. Moreover, both substance use disorders and eating disorders are often secondary to an underlying mood or anxiety disorder. Family dynamics are a very common contributing factor to eating disorders, and how could you ignore the sociocultural factors, like the thin ideal glorified by women's magazines? Eating disorders, like all mental disorders, are caused by a mixture of biological and environmental factors. I really wish you and everyone else saying YDI would stop casting blame when you don't actually know what you're talking about. Also, what you said about alcoholics in a room with bread and water isn't necessarily true. Delerium tremens can kill you if not treated.

You clearly don't understand that the person who becomes bulimic or an alcoholic knows exactly what they're doing unless they have slept/skipped every health class known to man. They shove it down your throat 100 times in a single lesson to never do either. Anyone who has information readily available to them is 100% responsible for their decision. Most women in those magazines don't say "I throw up after every meal." They'll say something along the lines of a workout and a low calorie diet. And if a person wants to stay skinny/healthy, why don't they just try running or swimming? Both are good for your weight, cardio, muscles, and aerobic systems. Finally, even if a person is born with a genetic disposition towards drugs or bulimia, you can still avoid it. I have been diagnosed with OCD. I'm still capable of sitting completely still in a dirty/disorganized room. Also, I'm aware of the physical dependence developed by alcoholics. There was just nothing I could think of to compare it to. Besides, only people with severe long-term addictions will die from skipping their daily dose of alcohol.

Plus ******* one! Totally agree.

Well someone's got to put these people in their place. BULEMIA IS NOT A DISEASE. Read #288 and find out why. :)

I agree with 288

It is a psychological disorder. People die from this. They work themselves too hard, trying to be perfect. Not only is it a struggle to be perfect in the way you look, but also in who you are. If you don't die from the actual self-abuse, it is likely to lead to suicide. Only a minimal percentage actually commit suicide, the rest live. And the ones who live, their emotional pain recycles, and starts all over again, only worse.

I can agree with this sort of. But sometimes there are situations that require you to be thinner. And sometimes working out can do so much. it's sick the standards they have for ballet dancers or models now a days, but it is what it is.