Nutrition is essential both physically and mentally in daily life. Even though people are aware of the existence of underdeveloped nutrition in other parts of the world, they do not realize the malnutrition that can affect their own bodies. Every human being needs a proper diet containing nutrients that provide energy, structure, and regulation to maintain their body (Smolin and Grosvenor 21-22). In order to live a healthy lifestyle, a person must also have a healthy body image. However, healthy body images have declined rapidly in recent years. Men and women are constantly told to fit a specific body image in order to be happy, admired and loved. In countries where food shortages are a constant concern, obesity is almost non-existent and being tall is a symbol of health, prestige and prosperity. “A cross-cultural survey found that 81% of societies considered being overweight or being 'full' desirable” (52). Although Americans should be grateful that they can eat plentifully and survive, they strive to be thin and fit what the media portrays as a perfect body. While some are not affected, others are diagnosed with eating disorders which are “life-threatening illnesses, both psychological and physical in nature” (Engel, Reiss and Dombeck). Due to differences among individuals, a wide range of eating disorders are gradually ravaging the country, as evidenced by bulimia nervosa, binge overeating, and orthorexia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa is a very commonly known eating disorder. Like anorexia nervosa, bulimics struggle to fit into a specific body image. Bulimia was considered a separate illness from anorexia in the early 1970s due to certain characteristics and symptoms...... middle of article....... "Psychological signs of eating disorders Eating Disorders Expert (UK). Diagnosis, signs, causes, risks and treatments at Eating Disorders Expert (UK). JohnRowlinson, npnd Web. February 14, 2011. .National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders. Internet. February 14, 2011. .National Eating Disorders. National Eating Disorders Association. 2001. Internet. February 8, 2011. “Orthorexia nervosa”. Orthorexia: healthy eating disorder. Np Web. February 10, 2011. < http://www.mirror-mirror.org/orthorexia-nervosa.htm>. Smolin, Lori A. and Mary B. Grosvenor. Nutrition and eating disorders. Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 2005. Print.