Eating Disorders

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are mental health conditions marked by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors, along with distressing thoughts and emotions about food, weight or body shape. They can affect physical health, relationships and daily life, and they are treatable.

Types

• Anorexia nervosa: restricting food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted view of body weight or shape.
• Bulimia nervosa: recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to compensate, such as vomiting, laxative misuse, fasting or excessive exercise.
• Binge-eating disorder: recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, without regular compensatory behaviors.
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): limiting the amount or types of food eaten, not driven by body-image concerns.

Warning signs

Warning signs can include preoccupation with food, calories or weight; skipping meals; eating in secret; frequent trips to the bathroom after eating; rigid exercise routines; and withdrawal from social events involving food.

These signs can occur with eating disorders, but only a qualified professional can provide a diagnosis.

Causes and risk factors

Eating disorders arise from a mix of genetic, biological, psychological and social factors. A family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions, dieting, perfectionism and weight-related bullying are associated with higher risk.

Treatment

Treatment is usually delivered by a team that may include a physician, therapist and dietitian. Evidence-based approaches include eating-disorder-focused CBT, family-based treatment for young people (see family therapy), nutritional rehabilitation and medical monitoring. Some people need more intensive care, such as day programs or inpatient treatment.