Photo: D Sharon Pruitt, Flickr

The latest diet and fitness news steadily grabs our attention. So many adult and young Americans struggle with weight issues, it's no wonder we're curious about the latest high-fiber cereal, fitness gadgets or whether or not we should keep flavored milk in the fridge. All this as millions face a much different challenge -- eating disorders.

Per the National Eating Disorders Association, 10 million females and one million males have an eating disorder in this country. Just yesterday the TODAY Show shared some of the fallout of eating disorders, including premature aging, osteoporosis, low blood pressure and heart problems. It's important to know more experts now believe family support is critical to teenss controlling their eating disorders, and that parents can play a major role in prevention.

One study of 80 bulimic teens revealed double the success rate for those in a treatment program that included family therapy. Another study of 32 teenage girls with anorexia found 75 percent in full remission three years post-treatment that, again, incorporated family therapy. Steps parents can take to support a teen recover include self-education about eating disorders, emotional support, avoiding denial and following directions outlined by the treatment team.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, approximately 90%-95% of anorexia nervosa sufferers are girls and women. And it's often assumed the majority of sufferers are white. But the disorder isn't limited to any demographic. A new book, Going Hungry (releasing on September 9) highlights the stories of 19 different anorexia nervosa survivors -- including stories from women, men, and minorities.

One of the shared stories is from Rudy Ruiz, who -- after being taunted and teased as a chubby child -- began trying to lose weight unhealthily during his high school years. He drank gallons of diet iced tea and ran five miles a day, ultimately dropping to 104 pounds -- far too thin for his 5' 7" frame. His initial desire to shed some extra pounds had turned into an obsession. He'd later learn that he had anorexia nervosa. Today, Ruiz is 40 and a two-time graduate of Harvard. He admits that while is healthy now, he still struggles with the obsession.

If you or someone you know might be suffering from anorexia nervosa or another disorder, visit the National Eating Disorders Association for information and support.

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