Eating disorders

What are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are mental health disorders that are characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and attitudes towards food and body weight. Symptoms of eating disorders can include severe weight loss or weight gain, obsessive thoughts about food and weight, and unhealthy behaviors such as purging or restricting food intake. Treatment for eating disorders can include therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling. Early intervention is important to prevent complications and promote recovery.

Most common types of eating disorders

1. Anorexia Nervosa
2. Bulimia Nervosa
3. Binge Eating Disorder
4. Orthorexia Nervosa
5. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
6. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)—formerly known as EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)
7. Rumination Disorder
8. Pica
9. Diabulimia (Eating disorder specific to people with diabetes)
10. Night Eating Syndrome

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

If you have a distorted body image, obsessive thoughts about food or weight, or engage in harmful behaviors such as purging or restricting food intake, it's time to see a mental health professional. A doctor or therapist can diagnose an eating disorder and provide treatment options such as therapy, medication, or a combination of both.