What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are dangerous mental illnesses that involve preoccupation with control over body weight and shape, eating and exercise. They are characterised by obsessive thoughts about weight and food, it can be a way of dealing with underlying emotional and psychological issues. People with eating disorders have extreme disturbances in their eating behaviours, thoughts and feelings. A person of any gender and age can develop an eating disorder, the illness can affect anyone for a number of different reasons and are not lifestyle choices or diets. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) and binge eating disorder. It is usually very difficult for people with eating disorders to get better on their own. It is important that you find professional help and support as soon as possible. Bulimia nervosa Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by binging and purging. It is common for sufferers to restrict their food, followed by binges and frantic efforts to avoid gaining weight through purging by self induced vomiting, using laxatives, enemas or diuretics, and periods of exercising or fasting after binges. Signs and symptoms of bulimia include
Anorexia nervosa Anorexia is characterized by the person restricting their food intake, exercising, obsessing over calories, and starving themselves to lose and avoid weight gain. People with anorexia often see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight, and have an intense desire to be thin. Anorexia is much more complicated than wanting to lose weight, it is often about gaining control in their lives, and can be a way to deal with emotional pain. Signs and symptoms of anorexia include
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Eating disorders are a serious mental illness. The mortality rate for anorexia is higher than any other mental illness, early intervention is incredibly important. For more information and support you can click the link below.
Eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS)
A person with eating disorder not otherwise specified may have many but not all of the symptoms of anorexia, binge eating disorder, or bulimia but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria. EDNOS is no less serious than any other eating disorder. The disorder is characterized by disturbed eating behaviours , a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. A person with this disorder may have many of the symptoms of anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder. The signs and symptoms of EDNOS include
Binge eating disorder Binge eating disorder involves eating very large amounts of food in a short period of time and feeling a sense of loss of control while eating. It often happens at times of stress, anger, emotional distress and may be used as a way to cope with emotional stress. Binge eating episodes typically last around two hours, but some people binge on and off throughout the day. People with binge eating disorder struggle with feelings of guilt, disgust, and depression. Binge eaters often eat even when they’re not hungry and continue eating long after they’re full. Signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder include
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