This paper reviews the recent research literature on childhood eating disorders from a developmental perspective. Although there have been some recent advances in research, much work remains to be done, especially studies specific to child and adolescent eating disorders, as well as definitive follow-up studies. Few data are available on the normal development of eating behavior, or resilience and risk factors for eating pathology. The best-studied areas include epidemiological studies, short-term treatment for bulimia nervosa, and outcome in anorexia nervosa.