Eating disorders are caused by complex psychological conditions. They might begin with an obsession with body image, weight or food. Eating disorders can have a serious effect of one’s mental and physical health. There are several types of eating disorders, but the three main forms we see are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating.
Anorexia Nervosa
This is the most known eating disorder. This disorder tends to develop in adolescence and is more common in women than men. People experiencing anorexia typically think they are overweight and may be struggling with body dysmorphia. They tend to closely monitor their calorie intake and restrict certain food groups. Signs of anorexia can be:
- Restrictive eating
- Obvious fear of weight gain
- Physical appearance strongly affecting self-esteem
- Underweight but still trying to get thinner
Bulimia Nervosa
Like anorexia, bulimia typically develops in adolescence and is more common in women than men. People with bulimia frequently binge eat, which is consuming a large amount of food in a small amount of time. The individual feels that they cannot control how much food they are consuming. After a binge, someone with bulimia is likely to purge to get rid of the calories they have just consumed. Some of the common symptoms of bulimia nervosa are:
- Binge eating episodes
- Noticeable purging behaviors to prevent weight gain (vomiting, laxatives, fasting)
- Body dysmorphia
- Fear of gaining weight or changing shape
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating can begin in adolescence, early adulthood or even later on. The symptoms of this disorder are similar to bulimia. The main difference between the two is that individuals with binge eating disorder do not purge after a binge. Common symptoms are:
- Consuming large amounts of food even when not hungry
- Lack of control while binging
- Feeling shame or guilt while binging
If you are struggling, I can help you with eating disorder treatment in Hawaii, Colorado, and California. If you have any questions about eating disorders or would like to schedule an appointment with me, please Contact us today to learn more.