A study reported in 1999 by Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that six out of 10 girls were dissatisfied with their body shape. Half said that the pictures in women’s magazines made them want to lose weight.

While some teens turn to healthy physical activity and diet moderation, others drift toward bulimia and anorexia. Bulimia is binge eating, with weight fluctuations that can be caused by fasting or self-induced vomiting.

Anorexia nervosa occurs when a person fears being fat so much that she refuses to eat. One in 10 female college students experiences symptoms to some degree, according to the Academy for Eating Disorders. Anorexia and bulimia most commonly strike girls between 13 and 17, says Dr. David Waller, director of the clinical service of psychiatry at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Still, patients can be much younger – a 7-year-old girl in Boston was hospitalized for anorexia.

“There’s no question that anorexia and bulimia are very serious illnesses,” Dr. Waller says. “But the good news for parents and kids alike is that most patients who seek treatment – and then stay with it – will get better and go on to lead healthy lives.”

Anorexia and bulimia can damage the heart and kidneys if left untreated, but recent advancements in therapy can turn back the illness, says Dr. Waller.

“These days, we can choose from several different therapies,” he says. “Where appropriate, we can prescribe drugs, even as we work on better nourishment, counseling and group therapy.”

Perfectionists about appearance or abilities are more likely to develop an eating disorder. While eating disorders usually strike women, 5 to 10 percent of those affected are male, experts say.