In a culture where thinness is too often equated with physical attractiveness, success, and happiness, nearly everyone has dealt with issues regarding the effect their weight and body shape can have on their self-image. However, in this essay, we tried to prove that eating disorders are not about dieting or vanity; they're complex psychological disorders in which an individual's eating patterns are developed and then habitually maintained in an attempt to cope with other problems in their life. An eating disorder is an obsession with food and weight that harms a person's well-being (both physically and psychologically). Its prevalence has increased dramatically over the past three decades. There are two main eating disorders: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Other types include: Binge eating, and eating disorder not otherwise specified. Eating disorders occur most commonly in adolescents, and young adults and are 10 times more common in females than in males. If left untreated, the emotional, psychological and physical consequences can be devastating, even fatal. The aim of this work is to clarify the effect of faulty eating habits, or severe dieting on the person's physical, psychological, and social well being. An approach to management has also been highlighted.In this essay, a strong relationship was established between somatoform disorders and eating disorders, and body dysmorphic disorder has been distinguished from eating disorders. This work also explains obesity and its comorbidities and sheds light on its psychological, and social impact. Our objective is to study the relation of eating habits and the development of psychiatric problems and to emphasize the role of family physician in screening, prevention, early diagnosis, and management of eating disorders.