Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are currently being studied with great intensity by the medical profession. Anorexia nervosa was first described in the medical literature in 1868, but was considered a rarity until the late 1930's. Bulimia was not identified in the medical literature until 1979. Recent studies suggest that approximately five percent of the female teenage population experience anorexia nervosa. Although the nature of the illnesses prohibits the availability of reliable epidemiological data, it appears that eating disorders in all categories are increasing. The characteristics of eating disorders offer non-verbal signals to the problem long before clinical conditions are manifested. These signals include an obsession with thinness and a denial of feelings of hunger, satiety, fatigue, and physical pain. Clinical characteristics and indices of eating disorders are numerous. Clinical characteristics can be categorized under the headings of: (1) general/biological; (2) emotional/psychological; (3) familial; (4) social; and (5) physical symptoms. The goal of treatment for eating disorders is to return the body to a state of biological normalcy and to help the patient generate positive self-esteem. Educators should understand the complexity of anorexia nervosa and bulimia and be alert to their signals. Teachers can help students develop higher self-esteem, and home economics teachers and coaches can teach students about the energy values of food. Finally, educators should be prepared to refer students to support groups and physicians when needed. (NB)