Eating disorders affect almost 1 in 10 people worldwide, according to the nonprofit organization ANAD, and yet there are many misconceptions about them.
What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a psychiatric disorder that causes significant impairment in a person's ability to function normally. More specifically, eating disorders are biopsychosocial illnesses. Inherited traits as well as psychological factors such as temperament and personality and social factors such as bullying and trauma influence someone to have an eating disorder.
What are the types?
Anorexia: usually characterized by weight loss and generally involves restriction of calories eaten and intense fear of gaining weight. Warning signs for this disorder include an overestimation of weight, strict rules around food, ingredient control, secrecy, and avoidance of social situations related to food and the body.
Bulimia: a cyclical condition in which one consumes a lot of food and then vomits or takes laxatives. People with bulimia may go to the bathroom right after a meal or say they will go to the gym more if they eat a big meal.
Binge eating disorder: someone eats large amounts of food quickly and often to the point that the situation is distressing. This disorder is characterized by a loss of control when it comes to eating; associated with shame and eating in secret.
Food avoidance disorder: this disorder is characterized by avoidance of foods. People with this disorder may show a lack of interest in eating food or worry about the consequences of eating, such as vomiting or choking. Usually, people with this disorder have a small range of foods that they feel comfortable eating. The disorder can cause problems with meeting energy needs and can lead to weight loss, slow growth, or problems with psychological and social functioning.
Orthorexia: term used to describe an obsession with eating in a way that the person defines as very healthy, but can cause stress in situations where they find it impossible to eat as planned.
Muscle dysmorphia: describes a disorder in which people have behaviors similar to anorexia or bulimia, such as restricting calories, following strict rules, performing vigorous exercise, and monitoring protein intake in order to have a muscular body.
If you are concerned about your or someone else's eating behavior, it is important to seek professional help.
Sources: National Eating Disorders Association, CNN
