As the incidence of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and obesity (sometimes caused by compulsive eating) has risen, so has research and literature in the field. Presenting current knowledge of these eating disorders - the most common types found in adolescents and adults - this book addresses issues relevant to all. Examining the pertinent history, aetiology, psychotherapy, and sociology, the contributors define these eating disorders and discuss issues of recovery and methods of treatment. They also consider the problem as it exists in both male and females in this multicultural society. The resulting volume is divided into four parts: the first gives an overview in general, and the next three focus individually on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and obesity respectively.