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Although food has never been more plentiful in developed countries, an apparently increasing number of young people don't want to eat, or want to get rid of what they've eaten as quickly as possible. Eating disorders now have one of the highest mortality rates of all psychiatric conditions.

Located in Rhodes Farm, a world famous centre for the treatment of eating disorders, this programme examines biological, cognitive, socio-cultural and family based theories of eating disorders. As well as the children themselves, there are contrasting contributions from two of the leading authorities in the field: Dr. Dee Dawson and Susie Orbach.

Part 1: A Biological Basis?

What are eating disorders? Are eating disorders diseases? What are the treatments offered by biological approaches and how effective are they?

Part 2: Thin = Good

What are socio-cultural explanations for eating disorders? Can eating disorders be learned? Why is it that only some people suffer from eating disorders?

Part 3: Happy Families?

How might the origins of eating disorders be found in families? What types of family dynamics are associated with eating disorders? What is being done to help sufferers?