It’s estimated that about 9% of the U.S. population has an eating disorder. But, that label comes with far too many stereotypes and misconceptions. Many people view eating disorders as simply not eating enough food. That can certainly be one example. But, there are too many different kinds of eating disorders to count. 

Any type of “disordered eating” falls under that umbrella. That could include someone only eating a certain type of food, or avoiding other ingredients for specific reasons. However, the most common and widely-known eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Let’s take a closer look at these issues and how you or someone you care about can get the help necessary to overcome them. 

Anorexia

Anorexia is probably the most well-known eating disorder. It’s characterized by an obsession with weight and what you eat. People with anorexia tend to limit their daily calories to dangerously low levels in an attempt to remain incredibly thin. Others might spend hours exercising each day. 

Some people with anorexia go so far as to learn and memorize the calories in just about every food and will measure out and calculate every ingredient to make sure they aren’t going over their desired caloric intake for the day. 

Anorexia can quickly take over your life. While some people fall into the trap of this disorder looking for some kind of control, it can cause you to spiral and lose all sense of yourself. The prolonged effects of this disorder can create serious physical health issues, including heart failure. 

Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder marked by the extreme overconsumption of food. It’s followed up with different methods of “purging,” usually by vomiting. However, some people will take laxatives to expel what they’ve eaten quickly. People with bulimia are also often obsessed with weight loss and can feel a sense of happiness when they “purge,” feeling like they’re getting rid of the calories they consumed. 

Bulimia can be harder to spot than anorexia from the outside looking in. On the surface, it might look like someone with the disorder just has a healthy appetite. But, if they tend to excuse themselves to the bathroom after every meal or they consistently eat more than what they should consider it a red flag. 

Bulimia can do permanent damage to the body, including organ damage and gastrointestinal issues. 

Binge Eating

Binge eating is often a part of bulimia, but it can also be its own separate eating disorder. People who have binge eating disorder might not be as obsessed with weight loss. Rather, they eat excessive amounts of food as a way to find comfort or to deal with depression or anxiety. 

Unfortunately, binge eating can make you feel like you’re losing control. You can feel guilty and ashamed once the binge is over, and that’s likely to trigger even bigger mental health struggles. 

What Can You Do?

These eating disorders are nothing to take lightly. They can do permanent damage to your mental and physical health, and any type of disordered eating could potentially put your life at risk. 

If you’re struggling with one of these common eating disorders, don’t hesitate to reach out for help as soon as possible. Therapy is often the best way to manage and overcome an eating disorder. A therapist can help you figure out the potential cause(s) of what started your disordered eating. They will also help you learn management techniques to fight back against those causes so you can overcome the disorder. 

It is absolutely possible to overcome an eating disorder. But, you don’t have to do it on your own. Feel free to contact me today to set up an appointment and learn more about eating disorders.