What's behind the rise in eating disorders? For one thing, experts' growing awareness may lead to more diagnoses. Another reason: A weight-obsessed culture bombarded by media "thin" messages.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is eating disorder that is a form of self-starvation. A person with AN has abnormally low body weight, a distorted body image, and an intense fear of gaining weight.

Bulimia nervosa is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) usually followed by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications in an attempt to control weight.

A growing number are children, usually girls, aren't overweight but believe they are. Says a California pediatrician: Magazines and TV shows that worship ultra-thin models and pop stars fuel the trend.

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia have risen steadily to affect nearly 10 million women (and 1 million men).