The physical need for food is a normal function of the body to remain in healthy, working condition, and more important, to stay alive. Although the physical need for food is the primary motivator that directs humans to consume food, emotions, behaviors and attitudes are also important contributors. Eating disorders involve serious disturbances in eating behavior and attitudes toward food. These disorders can involve drastic reductions in food consumption, eating excessive amounts of food, and distorted thinking about weight and body image. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are all examples of eating disorders; however, the most prevalent eating disorder in our society is obesity.

Genetically Inherited Obesity

Body fat is stored in fat cells, and genetic inheritance is one of the factors that dictates the number of fat cells an organism has. Members of an obese family are more likely to produce additional obese members, thus perpetuating the cycle. Research shows that in addition to the number of fat cells you have, the size of the fat cells can cause you to become obese. Overeating during the stages of infancy can contribute to the size of fat cells, but overeating, at this stage, is controlled by guardians who most likely inherited nursing practices from one of their own family members. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 64 percent of U.S. adults (approximately 115 million people) are overweight or obese.