counterparts are. Looking at the statistics on eating disorders, Smolak says, “By age 6, girls especially begin to express concerns about their own weight or shape. 40-60% of primary school girls (ages 6-12) worry about their weight or becoming too fat. This concern continues throughout life” (2011). Many eating disorders stem from the desire to look like celebrities and models on television and in magazines. Martin reports in “Nutrition Today”: “Among American schoolgirls who read magazines, 69% say that images influence their conception of the ideal body shape. 47% say that the photos make them want to lose weight” (2010). These statistics show that it is important to recognize who is at risk and the signs and symptoms of eating disorders in order to establish an early intervention program. In fact, doctors and mental health personnel are beginning to understand that depression and anxiety disorders may be indicators of these disorders. at risk of developing an eating disorder. It's possible that eating disorders, depression, and anxiety go hand in hand, as all can be linked due to the same negative feelings and low self-esteem. Many clinicians believe that conducting in-depth research into eating disorder risk factors, focusing on studies conducted before the onset of the disorder, will facilitate intervention efforts (Striegel-Moore, Bulik, 2007 ). S. Bryn Austin, ScD, Najat J. Ziyadeh, MPH, Sara Forman, MD, Lisa A. Prokop, BA, Anne Keliher, MMHS, and Douglas Jacobs, MD state: “In June 2007, the U.S. Senate ordered the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to intensify efforts to investigate the problem of eating disorders and their implications for the health of the American population” (2008). Conducting Eating Disorder Screening in the Workplace...... middle of article...... For eating disorders to affect a student's academic performance, school systems must take a major step toward early diagnosis and intervention. Early recognition of the disorder would help identify adolescents most at risk for eating disorders. Early identification and treatment of eating disorder behaviors can prevent disease progression and even death. Conclusion Eating disorders are widespread illnesses in American schools. They are classified as mental disorders that mainly affect adolescents. Schools need to be aware of the many ramifications of eating disorders and how they affect the physical health, emotional stability and academic success of these students. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, teachers and administrators become the first line of defense in helping students overcome this illness..