The approach of holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas can be anxious times for those suffering from an eating disorder but researchers say they don't have to be difficult.
The festive season is equated with food and drink and many attach a great deal of social and personal value to what, and how, we eat, often through family rituals and for many, family gatherings are positive events.
But for the millions with an eating disorder, the holidays can be nightmares and experts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have some tips to offer such people.
They say by preparing themselves with these tips they can make the season less about their affliction and more about holiday cheer.
Dr Cynthia Bulik says three out of four American women have "disordered eating" behaviour, and 10% have an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder.
Dr Bulik and the Eating Disorders team say those with an eating disorder must plan ahead and they have some suggestions which might help navigate the food minefields of the holidays: -