The term, eating disorders, refers to a group of complex mental health conditions that stem from a preoccupation with food and weight. If untreated, these conditions can lead to severe emotional, mental, and physical health problems.

There are a variety of symptoms that patients with eating disorders may display and can vary depending on which disorder they may struggle with, but common symptoms of an eating disorder include:

  • Food binges
  • Obsession with food, weight, or body shape 
  • Purging behaviors
  • Severe restriction of food

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Eating disorders can affect anyone at any stage of life but are often reported in adolescents and young women. 

In many cases, eating disorders may occur alongside other mental health conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance abuse. 

Causes

The term eating disorders, as mentioned above, covers a range of conditions and as such can stem from a variety of causing including:

  • Environmental factors such as cultural and peer pressure
  • Genetics
  • Mental health 
  • Personality traits

Common Eating Disorders

There are many different types of eating disorders that can impact people every year. The most common eating disorders reported include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa constantly monitor their weight, avoid certain foods, restrict calories, and may view themselves as overweight and fat even if they are severely underweight. Patients typically have low-self-esteem and can be extremely critical of themselves. 

Those with anorexia may exhibit purging or binge eating behaviors. After eating patients may attempt to eliminate calories through dieting, fasting, laxatives, diuretics, and excessive exercise. 

Common symptoms include:

  • Depression and lethargy 
  • Intense fear of gaining weight
  • Restricted eating behaviors and patterns
  • Underweight

Physical symptoms may include:

  • Abnormal menstrual cycle  
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin 
  • Infertility 
  • Mild anemia
  • Osteoporosis