Common Types of Eating Disorders

• Anorexia Nervosa – Extremely low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image.
  
• Bulimia Nervosa – Recurrent bingeing followed by purging or other compensatory behaviors.
  
• Binge-Eating Disorder – Recurrent episodes of overeating without purging, often with feelings of guilt or shame.
  
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Limited eating or avoidance of certain foods due to sensory issues or fear of adverse effects, without concern about body weight.
  
  

Symptoms & Red Flags

• Skipping meals or avoiding food
  
• Extreme focus on weight or appearance
  
• Social withdrawal or avoiding meals with others
  
• Frequent bingeing, purging, or over-exercising
  
• Signs of self-induced vomiting (calluses on knuckles, enamel erosion)
  
• Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or disgust about eating
  
  

Causes & Risk Factors

• Genetics: Family history of eating disorders
  
• Biology: Brain chemistry or biological factors
  
• Mental health: Anxiety, depression, OCD
  
• Environmental: Trauma, stress, dieting, weight-related bullying
  
  

Eating disorders can affect anyone at any age, though they often start during teen or young adult years.

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Complications

• Serious health issues (heart, bones, digestive system)
  
• Depression, anxiety, and substance use
  
• Social and work difficulties
  
• Increased risk of suicide
  
  

Treatment & Self-Help

• Professional care: Therapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medications
  
• Support systems: Family, friends, or peer support groups
  
• Self-care: Healthy eating habits, moderate exercise, and mental health strategies
  
  

For children: Encourage healthy eating, model positive body image, and maintain open communication.

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Hotlines & Resources

• National Eating Disorders Hotline: 1-866-662-1235 (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.)
  
• Get professional guidance for treatment, emotional support, or information about different types of eating disorders.
  
  

Statistics:

• About 9% of the U.S. population (30 million Americans) will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.
  
• Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications.

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Closing

Eating disorders are serious but treatable—recovery is possible with support, therapy, and self-care. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reach out for help through professionals or trusted resources like the National Eating Disorders Hotline at 1-866-662-1235.