Types of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, which are sadly widespread around the globe, are often misconstrued and carry a range of symptoms and behaviours. Let us explore the most common types. These disorders have severe impacts on both physical and emotional health so if you or someone you care about is grappling with these challenges, it is vital to reach out for professional support or click the link to read more about our services in the UK at the end of the page.

Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa

Anorexia is a disorder characterized by an unhealthy low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body shape and weight. People with anorexia may severely restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, or use other methods to lose weight, such as vomiting or laxatives.

Bulimia, on the other hand, involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviours, such as vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain. People with bulimia may have a normal or above-normal body weight, but still have a fear of being fat or a dissatisfaction with their body shape and weight.

Other Eating Disorders

Binge Eating involves constantly eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often to the point of discomfort, and feeling a loss of control over the eating. People with binge eating disorder may experience guilt, shame, or distress after the binge, but do not engage in purging behaviours.

Pica disorder is characterized by persistent and compulsive cravings to eat non-food items, such as dirt, clay, chalk, hair, or paper. Pica may be caused by nutritional deficiencies, mental health conditions, or developmental disorders.

Rumination disorder, involves repeatedly regurgitating food that has been swallowed, and then re-swallowing, or spitting it out. It may be caused by physical or psychological factors. Rumination disorder can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, dental problems, or choking. When people have avoidant food intake disorder, they have a lack of interest in food, or a strong aversion to certain foods based on their appearance.

Regardless of what kind of eating disorder you are experiencing we are here to help, reach us at mesmacnortheast.com.