Eating disorders affect millions of people and have an impact on both mental and physical health. Understanding eating disorders, recognizing their signs, and seeking appropriate support are critical steps toward recovery, establishing healthy eating habits, and healing.

Whether you, a friend, or family member are experiencing eating disorder symptoms, this page provides guidance, tools, and resources to help. You can also text CONNECT to 741741 for immediate support.

What are Eating Disorders? #

Eating disorders are complex mental health and behavioral conditions involving unhealthy eating habits, thoughts, and attitudes towards food, weight, and body image. There are different types of eating disorders with differing qualities, signs, symptoms, and treatment options. 

Common types of eating disorders include:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Is characterized by extreme food restriction, fear of weight gain, and distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as various methods of purging (e.g., vomiting or excessive exercise).
• Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Is defined by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time frame, followed by feelings of loss of control, discomfort, or distress. 

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder): Is a condition where individuals avoid or limit eating certain foods brought on by sensory issues, such as vomiting, a fear of choking, or other reasons not related to weight specifically.

What is ARFID? #

ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, where people avoid or limit the amount of certain foods. Unlike other eating disorders, body image concerns or gaining weight are not primary drivers. 

Some signs and symptoms of ARFID include:

• Significant weight loss 
• Nutritional deficiencies 
• Avoidance of specific foods based on textures, tastes, or types of food
• Lack of appetite 
• Dizziness, weak muscles, or gastrointestinal issues 

Common myths or misconceptions about ARFID:

Myth: ARFID is considered picky eating.

Fact: No. ARFID involves severe food avoidance rather than a phase of picky or selective eating, such as in children. ARFID affects the health and daily life of individuals with this disorder.

Myth: ARFID only occurs with children.

Fact: No. ARFID can occur or develop at any age.

Myth: Weight loss is not always present with ARFID.Fact: This is correct. Although, a sudden drop in weight or a decrease in growth could be signs of ARFID.

Do I Have an Eating Disorder? #

Identifying an eating disorder can be challenging. Here are some common signs and questions to reflect on:

Signs and symptoms of eating disorders:

• Preoccupation with food, weight, calories, or body image (e.g. size or shape)
• Skipping meals 
• Specific or unusual food rituals 
• Mood swings, difficulty concentrating, dizziness or fainting
• Acting withdrawn from personal relationships 
• Changes in weight 
• Weakness
• Hair loss
• Missing or irregular periods 
• People with anorexia may experience extreme weight loss
• People with bulimia experience a repeated cycle of binge eating and purging

Questions to ask yourself: 

• Do I feel out of control with or around food?
• Do I avoid eating in general or in front of others?
• Has my eating behavior negatively impacted my health and well-being or regular daily habits?

For more common questions to ask yourself, click here. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, it’s essential to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis. If you need support, text CONNECT to 741741 to chat with a trained Volunteer Crisis Counselor any time.

How Do I Confirm if I Have an Eating Disorder? #

There are a variety of ways to determine if someone has an eating disorder. Early detection, intervention, and professional support can help improve recovery outcomes. Here are some common ways to evaluate and diagnose an eating disorder:

1. Patient assessment: Clinicians evaluate eating patterns, attitudes toward food, body image, and other potential physical and mental health conditions, along with family and medical history. 
2. Medical examination: A physical exam is conducted to assess health concerns; vital signs like body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are measured.  
3. Lab tests: Blood tests evaluate a wide variety of factors to assess health (e.g., blood sugar levels or electrolyte levels).  

What is Disordered Eating? #

Disordered eating includes irregular eating behaviors that do not qualify as one of the listed disorders, but is related and can still pose risks to someone’s overall health. 

Some examples include:

• Chronic dieting
• Skipping meals frequently 
• Fasting 
• Binge eating 

With disordered eating, eating patterns may not disrupt daily life as much as eating disorders.  However, some behaviors can potentially escalate into a disorder without professional support.

Common Questions About Eating Disorders #

Are you born with eating disorders, or do they develop over time?
While the exact cause of an eating disorder is unknown, there are a variety of causes related to biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Examples include: genetics, biology, family history, and other mental health challenges.

Are eating disorders genetic?
Research suggests a genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. 

Is an eating disorder a mental illness?
Eating disorders are considered both mental and physical illnesses. 

How many types of eating disorders are there?
There are several recognized types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and others.

Can men have eating disorders?
Yes. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders. 

Eating Disorders and Society #

Eating disorders are complex conditions that affect individuals across various demographics. Understanding their prevalence in society and the unique challenges that some groups face are crucial for effective awareness and intervention. 

Statistics:

• Prevalence: Eating disorders impact more than 30 million people across the United States and over 70 million globally. 
• Binge eating disorder (BED): BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States.
• Age group: Approximately 95% of those who develop eating disorders fall within the age range of 12 to 25. 
• Gender distribution: While eating disorders have been commonly associated with females, cisgender males account for about 25% of anorexia nervosa diagnoses. 

 Unique challenges:

• Teens: Adolescents face social pressures and body image concerns, which can contribute to the development of eating disorders. 
• Men: Men with eating disorders often encounter stigma and a lack of awareness. This can result in cases of underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. 
• Marginalized groups: Individuals from marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ population, face unique challenges such as a lower likelihood of receiving help or getting access to care. 

Addressing these challenges requires open conversations, education, and increased awareness to reduce stigma and encourage those experiencing an eating disorder to seek treatment.

Treatment for Eating Disorders #

Effective treatment for eating disorders often involves a combination of approaches tailored to individual circumstances and needs based on the type of eating disorder. Some treatment methods include: 

• Therapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or family therapy)
• Nutritional counseling 
• Medical care

It is important to address eating disorders early. The earlier an eating disorder is addressed, the better the chances of recovery.

How Severe is My Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? #

BED varies in severity and can lead to significant physical and emotional health consequences. Evaluating risk factors, red flags, and knowing when to seek urgent help are critical steps to addressing concerns or beginning recovery. 

Risk factors and red flags:

• Frequent episodes of consuming large quantities of food within a short timeframe, coupled with feelings of loss of control.
• Eating in secret due to feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment. 
• Experiencing physical discomfort or distress following binge eating episodes. 
• Persistent feelings of emotional distress or depression linked to eating behaviors. 

When to seek urgent help:

• If binge eating episodes are paired with suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors, immediate professional intervention is necessary. 
• Noticeable physical health concerns such as extreme weight changes, malnutrition, or signs of other serious health issues (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal distress). 

For more risk factors linked to BED, click here. If you or someone you know is struggling with BED, contact emergency services, or text CONNECT to 741741 to chat with a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor for immediate support.

How to Help Someone with an Eating Disorder #

Supporting a loved one with an eating disorder can be challenging, but is very critical. 

Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do: Share your concern in private and with empathy.
• Do: Listen without judgement and encourage professional help. 
• Do: Be patient, understanding, and supportive. 

• Don’t: Ignore signs or symptoms of an eating disorder if you think someone is struggling.
• Don’t: Shame or blame them for their eating behaviors. 
• Don’t: Approach someone in a confrontational or combative way about their eating habits. 

How to initiate compassionate and non-judgemental conversations:

• Use compassionate language, such as, “I’ve noticed some changes in your eating habits. Is everything okay?” or “How are you feeling?”
• Listen during the conversation and offer support in a caring way. 

Professional help is key. Eating disorders require specialized treatment to address both physical and psychological aspects.

Why is Eating Disorder Awareness Important? #

Raising awareness about eating disorders can:

• Help individuals recognize symptoms early.
• Reduce the stigma around eating disorders and encourage open conversations without judgement.
• Promote additional funding and resources for treatment and research so that millions of people can get the help that they need.

Seek Support #

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, we encourage you to seek support. Eating disorders require specialized evaluation and treatment by professionals in order to address both physical and psychological aspects. Joining a support group is another option to discuss your feelings and concerns with those who might be going through—or have overcome—similar circumstances. If you’re experiencing eating disorder symptoms, or would just like someone to talk to, text CONNECT to 741741 to chat with a Crisis Text Line trained volunteer Crisis Counselor now.

Additional Eating Disorder Resources #

For more information, educational materials, or assistance, check out these resources:

Project Heal

National Alliance for Eating Disorders