Eating disorders have been a part of American culture for over a century, but it wasn't until the ’60s and ’70s that people truly began to identify this problem as an epidemic. As our national obsession with weight found its way into more households, boys and especially young girls who were prone to body image issues began seizing on such unrealistic standards -- and forging their own distorted self-images in the process. Today eating disorders afflict millions of children and adults each year.

Understanding what distinguishes one treatment center from another is hardly brain surgery, but it helps if you can understand what really works in this area. The easiest test is to examine each treatment center's staff-to-client ratio for a simple measure of the kind of dedicated care you can expect. Some of the finest programs in the nation offer more than three therapists per client, ensuring you enjoy a wide number of treatments throughout your stay.

Many encouraging results have come from progressive circles lately, as today holistic healing techniques are taking root as never before. Meditation, massage, hypnotherapy and even horseback riding are helping an unprecedented number of clients find balance and serenity in their lives. Couple this with sound psychological care in the form of daily therapy and it's no wonder these programs tend to report the country's highest success rates.

If you suffer from an eating disorder, it's essential to get yourself into proper medical care as soon as possible. Call the best-regarded centers in the nation and you could be on your way within days.