The key feature of the major eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia nervosa, is a phobic fear of fatness that leads to self-induced starvation or bingeing and purging. Typically begun as dieting spurred by social norms and personal vulnerabilities, the conditions can become self-sustaining and life-threatening.

Eating disorders can cause such diverse problems as amenorrhea, esophagitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and osteopenia.

Weight loss secondary to other conditions can be distinguished from primary eating disorders by patients' recognition that they are too thin.

Morbid obesity increases cardiopulmonary mortality, justifying aggressive behavioral and even surgical intervention. Mildly to moderately overweight patients may need treatment only if their weight is causing or worsening other medical conditions, and are generally benefited by increased physical actively and decreased fat consumption without the chronic hunger of dieting. Generally dieting is ineffective, costly, burdensome, and often unhealthy.

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