Common Eating Disorders Explained

Eating disorders are serious mental and physical health conditions not lifestyle choices. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or body weight. Left untreated, eating disorders can be life-threatening, but recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.

Here’s an overview of the most common types of eating disorders, their signs, and how they’re treated.

What Is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental health condition that disrupts your thoughts and behaviors about food, eating, and body image. People experiencing an eating disorder often have obsessive thoughts about food, body weight, or shape. These disorders can significantly harm physical health, mental health, and quality of life.

Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders

Disordered eating includes irregular or abnormal eating behaviors that don’t meet the clinical criteria for an eating disorder. An eating disorder is a formal diagnosis based on specific medical and psychological criteria. If you’re unsure where you fall, talk with a healthcare provider.

Types of Eating Disorders

1. Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restricting food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia often have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as overweight even when dangerously underweight.

Possible symptoms:

• Severe calorie restriction

• Preoccupation with food, dieting, and weight

• Excessive or rigid exercise routines

• Dry, brittle hair or nails, constipation, or fine hair growth on the body

Complications:
If untreated, anorexia can lead to anemia, muscle wasting, weakened bones (osteoporosis), low heart rate, infertility, and even death.

2. Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviors to “undo” the calories consumed, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, or excessive exercise.

Possible symptoms:

• Recurrent binge eating episodes

• Forcing vomiting after meals

• Frequent use of laxatives or diuretics

• Swollen salivary glands, chronic sore throat, or acid reflux

• Dental problems from stomach acid (tooth sensitivity, cavities)

People with bulimia may appear to have a “normal” weight, making it harder to recognize from the outside.

3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. It involves eating unusually large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, without purging afterward.

Possible symptoms:

• Eating until uncomfortably full

• Eating large amounts of food in secret

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or depression after eating

• Hiding food wrappers or stashes

BED often leads to weight gain and increases the risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is characterized by limited food intake that isn’t driven by body image concerns. People with ARFID may avoid foods due to sensory issues, fears of choking or vomiting, or very limited food preferences. This can result in poor growth, weight loss, or nutrient deficiencies.

Possible symptoms:

• Extremely limited range of foods eaten

• Refusal to try new foods

• Fears of choking or vomiting

• Dramatic weight loss or stalled growth in children

5. Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)

OSFED includes eating disorders that don’t meet the exact criteria for the other types but still involve harmful patterns of eating and body image concerns. Examples include:

• Atypical anorexia (weight is not low but symptoms are otherwise similar)

• Purging disorder (purging without binge eating)

OSFED can be just as serious and requires professional treatment.

Recognizing the Signs in Someone Else

Warning signs of an eating disorder may include:

• Dramatic weight changes or dressing in layers to hide weight loss

• Food disappearing quickly or hidden food wrappers

• Avoiding meals or making excuses not to eat

• Evidence of vomiting or laxative use

• Excessive or compulsive exercise

If you’re concerned about someone, encourage them to seek help gently and without judgment.

Causes and Risk Factors

Eating disorders develop from a combination of factors:

• Genetic predisposition (family history of eating disorders)

• Psychological factors (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem)

• Social and cultural pressures (media, sports emphasizing thinness)

• Early dieting or weight-related teasing

Although eating disorders are more common in young people assigned female at birth, they can affect anyone.

Getting Diagnosed

If you think you might have an eating disorder, talk to your healthcare provider. They may order:

• Blood tests for anemia or electrolyte imbalances

• Urine tests for hydration

• Kidney or heart function tests (like an ECG)

Treatment for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are treatable. Recovery often involves a combination of:

• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy (especially for teens), or group therapy

• Medications: Antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers as needed

• Nutritional counseling: Working with a registered dietitian to restore healthy eating patterns

• Medical care: Addressing complications like dehydration or heart irregularities

The main goals are to restore proper nutrition, stop harmful behaviors, and address underlying mental health concerns.

Teens and Eating Disorders

Up to 1 in 10 adolescents assigned female at birth may develop an eating disorder, but adolescents assigned male at birth are also at risk. Social media and exposure to unrealistic beauty standards can heighten risk during puberty. Research shows that family-based therapy can be especially effective for adolescents.

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, seek help immediately.
Resources include:

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Call or text 988 for crisis support

• National Alliance for Eating Disorders

• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)

If you’re thinking about harming yourself, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away.

Bottom Line

Eating disorders are serious medical conditions, not personal choices. They can affect anyone, and early intervention saves lives. Understanding the different types from anorexia to binge eating disorder can help you recognize warning signs and encourage treatment.

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