Eating disorders are most commonly experienced by adolescent females and young women, but also occur in both males, people of all ages and across all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.  Generalisations are not always useful but some of the common themes among people with eating disorders may include:

• low self esteem
• need to seek the approval of others
• difficulties in expressing needs and feelings, including anger and anxiety
• perfectionism
• difficulties being assertive with others
• people who diet