Eating Disorders- "Contagious" ??

Are eating disorders on record at all as being communicable?  As someone who has been suffering with one for over 15 years now, I would like to propose that they are.  Having friends with similar food issues and so much experience myself I've personally seen girls follow suit when they start to hang out with someone with the disorder (or even a third party who has one) Example Take Lora (my friend) Lora's friend Emily sees me at my skinniest and suddenly starts to lose a noticeable amount of weight.  Is this subconscious for Emily?  I have done a lot of research on eating disorders and this issue is glossed over completely without fail.  Does anyone in the healthcare industry have any info on this or opinion.....I am writing a book.

[LPfangrl]

I would agree. Though I'm not sure contagious is the right word. My best friend in highschool was anorexic and I've struggled with it for the last 4-5 years. I think the reason it's "contagious" is because I saw how my friend lost alot of weight so in my mind not eating works. So I started doing the same thing.

[KORY68]

No. Not contagioius - but - your peers can highly influence your thoughts/actions.
Close friends often where similar clothes, like similar music, etc., so, it is quite possible peers (at any age) can pick up not-so-good habits as well.
- forensic psych.

[jenjen243]

Thanks to both of you.  All are good points.