Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa: is characterized by extreme weight loss from a self-imposed and severe restriction of foods and fluids, a distorted body image, an intense fear of becoming fat, and low self-esteem. People with anorexia diet to extremes and will commonly over-exercise in an effort to lose weight. Most suffers don’t realize how underweight and undernourished they are, despite comments from others. Even after reducing to dangerously low weights, individuals suffering from anorexia will temporarily feel better after losing weight, continue to “feel fat”, and be convinced they need to lose even more weight. This denial of the problem makes it very hard to convince individuals to seek help.

Bulimia Nervosa: is distinguished by regular periods of uncontrolled binge eating followed by some form of purging (i.e. self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting, fasting, excessive exercising) in an attempt to prevent weight gain. Individuals suffering from bulimia often experience a persistent and driving concern with their weight, “over” weight or “under” weight. Dieting is usually followed by an episode of bingeing and purging. Dieting often results in feelings of deprivation and hunger, which may trigger another binge. Individuals with bulimia may initially lose weight but will most likely regain it because of the ineffectiveness of purging methods.

Compulsive Eating: can be identified by periodic episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing. Compulsive eaters, like people struggling with anorexia and bulimia, use food to cope with low self-esteem, stress, emotional conflict, and powerlessness. This pattern is often triggered by chronic dieting, then maintained by an inability to deal directly with uncomfortable feelings and daily problems. Compulsive eating is frequently followed by renewed pledges to diet or over-exercise, thus perpetuating the compulsive cycle. Compulsive eaters are not necessarily “over” weight; they can be any shape or size.

Physical and Emotional Consequences of an Eating Disorder: