1. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia affect millions of Americans each year, especially women ages 15-25, and can have serious medical consequences including death. 2. While traditionally viewed as behavioral issues, new scientific evidence shows eating disorders have biological roots in genetics and brain chemistry. 3. Classifying eating disorders as serious mental illnesses that interfere with life activities, as opposed to just behavioral issues, could help increase insurance coverage that many suffering need to afford critical treatment costsing up to $30,000 per month.