Eating disorders are mental health conditions, that impact approximately 9% of the global population (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, 2021. Eating disorders impact people irrespective of gender, race, age or sexual orientation.
These disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition and therefore, it is vital that those suffering seek help.
When you have an eating disorder, it can also lead to several other mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and poor confidence. There can also be several repercussions to your physical health as well, such as cardiovascular concerns, digestive issues, low vitamin levels, loss of hair and much more (National Eating Disorder Association, 2021).
Common Types of Eating Disorders
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
Anorexia is primarily characterised by extreme weight loss and extreme control of one food intake. Symptoms include; inadequate food and calorie intake, significant weight loss, immense fear of putting on weight, striving for “a perfect body”, disturbed self-image, denial about the seriousness of their weight loss.
BULIMIA NERVOSA
Bulimia is characterised by cycles of Binge Eating, followed by compensatory behaviour, that include purposefully purging – vomiting – in order to “balance” the effects of binge eating. Suffers will regularly eat large amounts of food, which is often followed by purging behaviours.
BINGE EATING DISORDER
People with binge eating disorder exhibit recurring periods of binge eating, which is overeating. However, unlike bulimia nervosa, individuals who have binge eating disorders do not engage in compensatory measures, such as vomiting or excessive exercising. They often experience guilt or shame after an episode, which can trigger another episode.
AVOIDANT RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDER
AFRAID is very similar to Anorexia as both involve limiting the amount of food and calories consumed, however, it does not involve distress associated with body size or shape.
Sources
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. (2021, January 5). Eating disorder statistics. https://anad.org/get-informed/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
National Eating Disorder Association. (2021, November). Common Health Consequences of Eating Disorders. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/health-consequences
