Eating and Weight Disorders: 5 Common Types

Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other related illnesses, are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. They can cause significant physical and psychological health problems, as well as have a negative impact on social relationships, work, and school performance. This article will discuss five of the most common eating and weight disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and night eating syndrome.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. People with anorexia may go to extreme lengths to limit their calorie intake and lose weight, such as skipping meals, exercising excessively, vomiting after eating, or using laxatives and diuretics. Anorexia can lead to serious health complications such as heart problems, bone loss, and even death if left untreated.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is another type of eating disorder characterized by an excessive consumption of food in a short period of time (binge-eating) followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or abusing laxatives or diuretics (purging). People with bulimia may feel a loss of control during binge-eating episodes and experience guilt or shame afterwards. Bulimia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, tooth decay, and an increased risk of suicide if left untreated.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrollable overeating. Unlike bulimia nervosa, people with binge eating disorder do not practice any compensatory behaviors after their binges. Binge eating can lead to feelings of guilt or shame, as well as physical health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by avoiding certain foods due to a lack of enjoyment or fear of the consequences of eating them (e.g., choking or vomiting). People with ARFID often have difficulty getting enough calories or nutrients from food due to their avoidance of certain foods. This can lead to serious physical health issues such as malnutrition or failure to thrive in children.

Night Eating Syndrome (NES)

Night eating syndrome (NES) is a type of eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating at night. People with NES often eat large amounts of food in the evening hours after dinner and have difficulty feeling full during the day. NES can lead to feelings of guilt or shame about overeating as well as physical health issues such as obesity or diabetes if left untreated.

Conclusion

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have serious physical and psychological effects on those affected. Although there are many types of eating disorders, this article has discussed five of the most common types: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and night eating syndrome (NES). If you think you may be suffering from an eating disorder it is important to seek professional help right away so that you can begin to get better.