Eating disorders can be described as any type of disorder that can be characterized as obsessive and long-term in nature and that is related to food or body image. Since the 1970s there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of individuals affected by eating disorders. Part of this dramatic increase can at least be partially attributed to the rise in body consciousness and objectification of the body in popular culture and media. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of all adolescent and young women in the United States will develop some form of eating disorder. Men are also susceptible to developing and eating disorder although it is substantially less common. Among men, eating disorders are more common among weight conscious athletes. Here is a brief overview of the three different types of eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa: This eating disorder is characterized by an overwhelming desire to be thin. People affected with anorexia nervosa tend to use self-starvation in order to achieve weight loss. Almost all people affected with anorexia are women. Roughly 95 percent of anorexia sufferers are women, and of these most of them are adolescent women from middle and upper class social and economic backgrounds. Feelings of self-loathing and low self-esteem are often accompanied by severe efforts to lose weight. People with anorexia may take part in obsessive exercise routines and may demonstrate obsessive behavior in other areas of their lives, including their relationships, work life, and schoolwork. Anorexia patients often lose up to 25 patients of their body weight. They may suffer from various health symptoms, including intolerance to the cold, constipation, lightheadedness, fatigue and weakness, abdominal cramping, and a deficiency in their levels of potassium.

Bulimia: This eating disorder is characterized by episodes of binge eating. These episodes are generally followed by episodes of self-induced vomiting. Bulimia patients tend to suffer from an overwhelming preoccupation with their body. They have a hard time taking in food at a normal intake. Many bulimics have also dealt with anorexia in their life. Although most bulimia patients are of normal weight, some may have experienced weight loss problems in the past. Bulimia patients experience periods of intense overeating. A typical binge may consist of an individual consuming as many as 15,000 to 20,000 calories. The individual may experience intense mood swings during this period, moving from periods of elation to deep depression in a relatively short amount of time. Most binges are followed by intense feelings of guilt and shame. This compels the individual to purge the food from their system through a session of self-induced vomiting.


Binge eating disorder: the third type of eating disorder is known as binge-eating disorder. This type of eating disorder is characterized by excessive consumption of high calorie foods. Most people afflicted with this eating disorder understandably suffer from obesity at higher levels than the general population. Binge eating disorder has been linked to emotional eating, particularly bouts with depression. Binge eating disorder is generally treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy.

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