In this article we intend to discuss eating disorders, principally anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. We initiate this discussion from a medical point of view and then proceed to psychoanalytic theory in an attempt to shed light upon the cultural aspects that influence these disorders. Special emphasis has been given to certain Brazilian cultural patterns that permeate the manifestation and treatment of this condition in our tropical country. We have centralized our discussion around three questions: Can eating disorders be considered as post-modern disorders? Do contemporary factors have a determinant role in the onset of this disorder? How can psychoanalysis contribute toward a better comprehension of these disorders?