Eating disorders are more common than one would expect, and vary as much as the individuals suffering from them. An eating disorder, in whatever form it takes, is a serious condition and can be life threatening if not treated appropriately. Millions of people are affected by eating disorders and are at risk because their disorder has either gone unrecognized, or has not been treated. A diagnostic characteristic of an eating disorder is often an individual’s obsession with their weight; these obsessive thoughts can lead to severe consequences in both health and actions. Whether the client presents with anorexia, obesity, bulimia or binge-eating, a counsellor can help treat the disorder and address its underlying causes.