It may seem that an eating disorder is all to do with a desire to lose weight and look skinny. But it's not that simple. Eating disorders are a serious illness that can take over a person's life and in the worst case scenario, take a person's life.
The first step to helping, is understanding what an eating disorder is. Eating disorders are characterised by "abnormal or disturbed eating habits". There are three main types of eating disorder: Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder. There is also a category called EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise classified).
Anorexia
This involves a person lowering their food intake by skipping meals and cutting down on or cutting out some foods, eg, carbohydrates. Sometimes it can involve over exercising as well.
Bulimia
People that suffer with bulimia get caught in a cycle of eating excessive amounts of food and then making themselves sick or starving themselves for a few days in order to make up for the food they've eaten. Some people will use laxatives instead of vomiting. Bulimia does not often cause the extreme weight loss that anorexia does and this can make it difficult to spot. However, it is a very serious illness.
Binge Eating Disorder
This involves eating excessive amounts of food in a short period of time. But, unlike bulimia, sufferers do not try to get rid of the food they have eaten. People that suffer from this disorder often feel a lack of control towards eating and eat until they are uncomfortably full. This uncontrolled eating can lead to weight gain.
EDNOS
The category EDNOS explains the variations in typical signs and symptoms. I.E If a persons symptoms do not quite match the criteria for an anorexia diagnosis, but it is still and eating disorder, then it would fall into the EDNOS category.
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So, that's a quick introduction into eating disorders; what they are and the different types. Check back soon for information on how to spot an eating disorder and what to do if you need help or you are worried about someone.
Comments are appreciated, if you have something you can contribute or if there's something you would like me to write about then please do let me know. Thanks!
