When you hear the term “eating disordered,” you probably automatically picture a frail, weak, underweight waif. Contrary to this common perception, being underweight is by no means a criteria of all, or most, recognized eating disorders. In fact, it is the exception, rather than the rule. Many of those who suffer from disordered eating habits are more likely to be within a normal weight range, or overweight, rather than at an unhealthily low weight.

For example, people who engage in bulimic purging behaviors are at least as likely to be slightly overweight rather than underweight; being severely underweight while suffering from bulimia is rare. And those who are diagnosed with Compulsive Over Eating or Binge Eating disorders are almost always over their ideal body weight from a medical standpoint.

Being within, or over, recommended weight ranges doesn’t necessarily mean that those afflicted by these diseases face less serious health consequences than anorexics, who are more likely to fail to maintain minimum healthy body weights. Many of the effects of malnourishment, including vitamin and mineral, or protein, deficiencies, are equally present, even if calorie intake is adequate.

Nor does it mean that they are suffering less acutely in a psychological or emotional sense.