Eating disorders are characterized by relatively severe disturbances in eating behaviors. They can include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa as well as other individuals who are distressed over their weight and/or eating habits. It’s important to note that it’s the subjective feeling of dissatisfaction over our size that’s important. Obesity by itself is not an eating disorder. Obese individuals can be, and often are, as emotionally stable and healthy as their thinner counterparts.