Simply defined, an eating disorder is an unhealthy change in one’s normal eating habits. These behaviors can include under and overeating, and can involve secondary symptoms, such as distorted body image and low self-esteem.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Learn about eating disorders

The specific mental health conditions that are classified as eating disorders can include:

Anorexia nervosa: Those who have anorexia view themselves as overweight even though they are not, and, therefore, they participate in extreme diets and behaviors. Individuals with anorexia will limit their caloric intake and, in turn, under nourish themselves. Anorexia can cause sufferers to become obsessed with their weight, stepping on the scale numerous times throughout the day. They might also partake in binge-eating and then vomiting, excessively exercising, or using laxatives.

Bulimia nervosa: Bulimia nervosa causes one to participate in binging and purging behaviors. They will consume a great deal of food very quickly, but will then take enemas, laxatives, or diuretics, or induce vomiting in order to clear their systems of food. Those with bulimia tend to be at a normal weight or a little heavier. However, they experience extreme anxiety about gaining weight.

Binge-eating disorder: Individuals who have binge-eating disorder might feel like they are not capable of controlling their eating. As a result, they consume larger amounts of food but do not purge like those who have bulimia would. Their periods of binging tend to be connected to feelings of shame and upset, triggering the onset of additional episodes of binge-eating.

While eating disorders have a powerful and deadly control over those who struggle with them, these disorders are treatable.

Statistics

Eating disorder statistics

The National Eating Disorders Association reported that as of 2024, approximately nine percent of people battle eating disorders at some point in their lives. Sadly, those who have eating disorders are at a greater risk of developing suicidal ideation and attempting suicide. Eating disorders often develop at a young age, with the median age of onset being around 12 and 13 years of age.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for eating disorders

Clinicians and scientists agree that the causes of eating disorders are highly complex. Despite this complexity, these disorders tend to be triggered by environmental and genetic factors, such as:

Genetic: Genetics play a major role in one’s susceptibility of developing an eating disorder. Those with a relative who has struggled with eating disorders are more likely to develop similar issues as well.

Environmental: A person’s environment can also impact his or her chances of developing an eating disorder. With or without a genetic predisposition for this disorder, environmental factors include living in a home with relatives who are exceptionally critical of the appearance of themselves others, or having a family that places great emphasis on dieting and weight control. Additionally, peer pressure and pressure from society can impact one’s eating disorder development.

Risk Factors:

Experiencing chronic stress
Age (teenagers are more at risk for eating disorders)
Poor self-esteem
Poor body image
Being female
Family history of mental illness
Personal history of mental illness
Family emphasis on dieting or body image

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of eating disorders

The signs and symptoms of eating disorders can vary based on the type of eating disorder that one is struggling with. However some of the most common symptoms can include:

Behavioral symptoms: