Do you suspect that you might have any eating disorders? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the U.S. population (28.8 million people) will experience an eating disorder at some point during their lives. Eating disorders affect people of every age, race, size, gender identity, sexual orientation and background.
Below, we discuss three of the most common eating disorders.
1. Anorexia Nervosa
Commonly referred to simply as “anorexia,” anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes someone to have a distorted perception of their own weight. Because they fear gaining weight, people with this condition tend to severely restrict how much food they eat, essentially starving themselves. They may also exercise excessively.
2. Bulimia Nervosa
This eating disorder causes someone to eat a large amount of food in a short amount of time, then try to get rid of the excess calories in an unhealthy way (for example, by vomiting, taking laxatives, or using enemas). This cycle is referred to as “binging and purging.”
3. Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder causes someone to regularly consume abnormally large amounts of food. People with this condition often report feeling like they’ve lost control and can’t make themselves stop eating.
Common Warning Signs Associated with Eating Disorders
Emotional / Behavioral
- Weight loss, dieting, and control of food are primary concerns
- Food rituals
- Social withdrawal
- Frequent dieting, body checking
- Extreme mood swings
Get the Help You Need
If you think you might have one of the conditions described above or a different type of eating disorder, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of the experienced therapists on our team. We understand how having an eating disorder can affect all aspects of your life, and we’ll work with you to overcome your struggles and achieve your treatment goals. Contact us today to get started.
