Eating Disorders

There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Each one has its own set of symptoms and can be treated in different ways.

Anorexia nervosa is a condition that causes people to starve themselves even when they are not overweight. People with this disorder often have a distorted view of their body image and see themselves as being fat even when they are dangerously thin. They may also engage in extreme dieting and exercise rituals to lose weight. Anorexics typically have low body weight, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation, and problems with concentration and memory.

Bulimia nervosa is a condition characterized by binge-eating followed by purging. People with bulimia will often eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, usually to the point of feeling sick. They then try to get rid of the food by vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise. Bulimics typically have a normal body weight but may be bloated from all the purging. They may also have calluses on their hands and teeth erosion from vomiting.

Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without any compensatory behaviours like purging or excessive exercise. People with this disorder often feel out of control during binges and ashamed or disgusted afterwards. Binge-eaters typically have a higher body weight than people with other eating disorders. They may also have high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.