Types of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that affect both physical and mental health. These disorders are not a choice and can be life-threatening. Fortunately, it is possible to recover from an eating disorder. 

Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Other types include avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED). Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, body weights, and genders. 

You may be wondering if you have an eating disorder or disordered eating. An eating disorder is a clinical diagnosis. Disordered eating refers to abnormal eating patterns that do not fit the criteria for an eating disorder. See your healthcare provider if you believe that you could be experiencing an eating disorder.

This article will provide an overview of eating disorders, including the signs and symptoms, how to recognize one in someone else, and the treatment options. 

Defining an Eating Disorder

An eating disorder is a serious mental health disorder. It affects your thoughts about your body, food, and eating behaviors. An eating disorder often causes disturbing thoughts and emotions. People experiencing an eating disorder often feel obsessed with thoughts of food and body weight. 

An eating disorder can significantly impact your physical and mental health. It may even be life-threatening when left untreated. Eating disorders are most commonly diagnosed in young people assigned female at birth but can affect anyone. 

Types of Eating Disorders

There are different types of eating disorders. They each require their own interventions and treatment plans. The signs and symptoms of eating disorders vary by type. 

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by restricting the amount of food or calories consumed. People with anorexia nervosa may feel preoccupied with thoughts of restricting certain types of food. They also usually have a disordered view of their body and feel overweight when they are dangerously underweight. 

Possible symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

• Preoccupation with food, calories, and body weight 
• Frequent thoughts about dieting 
• Restricting the amount of food you consume 
• Resisting a healthy weight for your height and age 
• Fear of gaining weight
• Frequent exercising that feels rigid 
• Dry, brittle hair and nails 
• Constipation 
• Fine hair all over the body 

Possible signs of anorexia nervosa in someone else include:

• Dramatic weight loss 
• Always dressing in layers (for warmth or to hide weight loss)
• Rigid exercise routine
• Making excuses to skip meals
  

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that usually involves consuming large amounts of food, followed by purging the food through vomiting or the use of laxatives. 

Possible symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

• Binging large amounts of food
• Feeling the need to purge after a large meal or snack
• Forcing yourself to vomit after eating 
• Frequently taking laxatives or diuretics after eating
• Acid reflux 
• Severe dehydration
• Chronic sore throat 
• Swollen salivary glands 
• Drinking excessive amounts of water or non-calorie beverages to try to feel full 
  
• Dental problems such as cavities, the discoloration of teeth, and sensitivity 
  

Possible signs of bulimia nervosa in someone else include:

• Food seems to disappear quickly
• Evidence of lots of food having been eaten, such as empty wrappers and food containers 
• They often seem to go to the bathroom soon after eating
• Evidence of vomiting (smell or sight of it in the bathroom)
• Using mouthwash, mints, or gum constantly throughout the day 
• Calluses on the backs of hands from self-induced vomiting 

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It is characterized by binging large amounts of food and feeling guilty or ashamed afterward. Unlike bulimia, people with binge eating disorder do not purge after eating. 

Possible symptoms of binge eating disorder include:

• Binging large amounts of food
• Feeling out of control while eating (unable to stop)
• Feelings of disgust, shame, guilt, and depression after eating 
• Stealing or hoarding food to eat in secret 
• Creating schedules or rituals around binge eating 

Possible signs of binge eating disorder in someone else include:

• Food disappearing quickly
• Hidden empty wrappers and food containers 
• Weight gain or obesity

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder that involves not consuming enough calories to grow and develop properly.

Many children go through phases of “picky” eating. People with ARFID are unable to consume enough calories for proper growth. They may restrict several categories of food. Unlike people with anorexia, people with ARFID do not fear weight gain. 

Possible symptoms of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder include:

• Minimal range of preferred foods 
• Fears of choking or vomiting when eating 
• Craving non-food items like dirt, hair, or paint chips (known as pica)

Possible signs of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder in someone else include:

• Dramatic weight loss 
• Refusal to eat several types of food 

Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders

Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED) are a group of eating disorders that do not meet the criteria for any of the previously mentioned eating disorders. People with these types of disorders experience disordered eating patterns. 

Possible symptoms of OSFED include:

• Frequent episodes of binging food
• Feeling as though your self-esteem is tied to your body image 
• Feeling consumed with dieting 
• Intense need to exercise after eating 

Possible signs of OSFED in someone else include:

• Frequent talk of dieting or “burning off” calories 
• Disappearance of large amounts of food in a short period
• Hidden empty wrappers and food containers

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

You may be wondering if you have an eating disorder. The best way to figure this out is to see a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and medical history. Plan to answer questions about your eating habits, exercise routines, and overall health. 

Your provider may recommend medical tests, including:

• Blood tests: To test for anemia and electrolyte imbalances (an imbalance of important charged minerals in the blood)
• Urine tests: To assess hydration status
• Kidney function tests: To detect kidney damage
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): To check heart health 

If you feel that your eating habits, exercise routines, or purging episodes are beyond your control, it’s important to see your healthcare provider right away. 

Eating Disorder Treatment and Resources 

Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that require treatment. When left untreated, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa can cause life-threatening health complications. Fortunately, they are treatable. See your healthcare provider and a mental health professional for treatment. 

The primary goals of eating disorder treatment are to:

• Restore adequate nutrition
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce excessive exercise 
• Stop binge-purge behaviors
• Treat any underlying mental health disorders 

Treatment options for most eating disorders may include:

• Therapy: Individual, group, or family psychotherapy 
• Medications: Antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers 
• Nutritional counseling: Meal planning and eating goals with a registered dietitian 
• Medical care: Treatment of any health complications such as dehydration or heart damage 

Risks of Eating Disorders in Teens

It is estimated that up to 1 in 10 adolescents assigned female at birth will experience an eating disorder. It is also possible for adolescents assigned male at birth to experience an eating disorder. 

A 2019 study found that exposure to media can increase the risk of eating disorders in adolescents because it promotes dissatisfaction with body image. Teens exposed to media such as television, magazines, and social media may feel increased pressure to achieve a certain beauty standard. This may happen around the same time as puberty, a process that usually causes weight gain and bodily changes. 

Research shows that family-based therapy is an effective treatment for teens with eating disorders. This type of therapy empowers parents to take over the responsibility of feeding their children to ensure they receive enough nutrients. 

Where to Go If You Think You Have an Eating Disorder 

If you think you may have an eating disorder, seek help right away. Reach out to your healthcare provider to determine your diagnosis and treatment plan. Eating disorders can lead to serious medical complications and a higher risk of suicide. It is critical to seek help as soon as possible. 

Resources that may help you include:

• Eating Disorders Helpline
• Eating Disorder Peer Support Groups
• Eating Disorder Recovery Mentor
• National Eating Disorder Association
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
• National Institute of Mental Health
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

If you are having any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate care at an emergency department or by calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 911. 

Summary

An eating disorder is a serious medical condition that affects physical and mental health. It is not a choice and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Binge eating disorder is the most common type of eating disorder in the United States. Other types of eating disorders include avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and other specified feeding and eating disorders. 

Eating disorders are most common in young people assigned female at birth but can affect people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, and body weights. Eating disorders can cause serious medical complications and need to be treated as soon as possible. See your healthcare provider if you are concerned that you may be experiencing disordered eating or an eating disorder.