I think sometimes these people may have very mild issues, and are almost looking to develop a problem. I've observed this over and over again through the years. The two most common reasons seem to be:

A) Weightloss
B) It gives them a sense of 'identity' to claim themself anorexic/bulimic/whatever

I feel like I'm going to get blasted with this, with posts that say things like "you don't know what they're going through.. blah blah blah", but you can't help but notice that some people act this way.

It's really pathetic.

I'm with morgue on this one. Exactly.

It is a pain in the ass, and I called one "member" on it...and he immediately un-joined the group.

I agree, I don't think skipping a meal every once in a while because they're vaguely worried about their weight really consitutes as a problem. It's hard when you're trying to get over something like this when you're bombarded with these people...sometimes it actually feels like they want to be anorexic/bulimic and it really upsets me sometimes.

I am in a slightly funny position. EDs first came into my life after I lost a lost of weight due to stress. I never skipped a meal and was not trying to lose weight. In fact, I was very happy. I was then labelled as anorexic and 'strongly encouraged' i.e. pressurised to gain weight. It's easy to see how people would feel some sort of identification with true anorexics and bulemics, because that is so often the conclusion people arrive at when they look for a reason for skipping meals and restricting etc. I still do feel like a fraud because I developed bulimia after being mis-labelled as anorexic. I felt I'd let everybody down by being an 'accidental anorexic', that I must be truly unstable if I was subconsciously starving myself, and I felt I couldn't trust myself. I tried to eat more, but felt so disgusting that purging became the norm. Did I try to develop an ED? I don't think so, but the doubt still lingers... I just hope I am not counted among those people who really are, I am going to be controversial here, attention seeking.

I come across things that strike me as weird. I just take what I need and leave the rest. It's a lesson in life really.

What makes me the most angry is when people actually WANT an eating disorder just to lose weight. Nonetheless they are just as sick, mentally.

i cannot believe that i have gotten numerous messages from people asking me what to eat to get skinny...and how do i keep myself from eating...etc...etc....i just wanna strangle these people and make them see that wishing for an ED is quite possibley the worst wish in the world!