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RESEARCH ON EATING DISORDERS IN THE COLLEGE POPULATION Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long– standing behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors. While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are most often about much more than food. People with eating disorders of- ten use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming. For some, dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control of one’s life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a person’s physical and emotional health, self–esteem, and sense of competence and control. However, with appropriate treatment, people do recover from eating disorders and go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives. 7