Eating disorders are a serious type of mental illness that, when left untreated, can be deadly. People with eating disorders have persistent and unhealthy thoughts and behaviors about food, which causes them to eat dangerously too little or too much. Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice or a phase. They are illnesses that can impact anyone of any age, gender, body type, race, or socioeconomic group. An estimated 30 million Americans struggle with an eating disorder during their lifetime. In the U.S., more than 10,000 deaths each year are a direct result of an eating disorder.