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What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are problems with the way people eat. They can harm a person's health, emotions, and relationships

What Are the Different Types of Eating Disorders?

There are several types of eating disorders, including:

Anorexia

People with anorexia:

  • eat very little on purpose. This leads to a very low body weight.
  • have an intense fear of weight gain
  • have a distorted body image. They have unrealistic views of their bodies.

People with anorexia are very strict about what and how much they will eat. They may think about food or calories almost all the time. To lose weight, some people with anorexia might fast or exercise too much. Others may use laxatives, diuretics (water pills), or enemas.

Bulimia

People with bulimia:

  • overeat and feel out of control to stop (binge eat)
  • do things to make up make up for overeating. They may make themselves throw up on purpose after they overeat. To prevent weight gain they may use laxatives, diuretics, weight loss pills, fast, or exercise a lot.
  • judge themselves based on body shape and weight

People with bulimia may have yo-yo weight changes, up or down. But not all people with bulimia have significant weight changes.

Binge Eating

People with binge eating disorder:

  • overeat and feel out of control to stop. This is called binge eating.
  • eat large amounts even when they are not hungry
  • may feel upset or guilty after binge eating