Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia & Binge Eating)

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are a group of conditions defined by abnormal eating habits – eating either not enough or too much food. They range from eating too much at one time, known as Binge Eating, to eating very little, known as Anorexia. People with eating disorders usually also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Excessive concern about weight and body image or shape is also a common feature of these illnesses.

Eating disorders affect many more women than men and usually begin in the teen years or young adulthood although they can begin in childhood or later in life. For reasons that are not clearly understood, they are increasing in most parts of the world. There are three common forms: binge eating, anorexia and bulimia, and one called “eating disorder not otherwise specified” where the symptoms do not exactly fit any of the other three disorders. All these are real medical illnesses that cause serious physical problems and can sometimes even be fatal. In fact, studies have shown that people with anorexia nervosa are 18 times more likely to die prematurely.
Learn more about eating disorders