The 3 Most Common Eating Disorders

At least 30 million people in the United States live with an eating disorder. Most of these individuals have one of the three most common eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder.

Eating disorders are serious but treatable illnesses that are linked to severe changes in eating patterns and behaviors. According to Johns Hopkins University, eating disorders can develop in children as young as age 12. While most commonly seen in women, approximately 10 million men in America will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime.

Eating disorders have multiple causes. Stressful events, including broken relationships, physical illnesses or other significant life changes can all trigger the start of an eating disorder. Eating disorders may often develop in people with pre-existing psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Some studies suggest that eating disorders may also have a genetic component.

Without treatment, eating disorders can lead to greater medical complications and can be life-threatening. This introduction will help you gain a better perspective of the most common eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.

1. Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa affects approximately 0.5 percent of women. Individuals with anorexia suffer from self-starvation, where a significant weight loss of 15 percent or more of healthy body weight is seen.

People who have anorexia nervosa (often just called “anorexia”) have an extreme fear of weight gain and often diet and exercise excessively. These individuals have a distorted body image and believe themselves to be overweight despite being significantly underweight.

To lose weight, people with anorexia either stop eating altogether or use methods such as laxatives, diuretics or self-induced vomiting. These behaviors are unhealthy and can quickly take control of an individual’s life. The good news is that with treatment, in-person or teletherapy, a person can gain a greater understanding of their self-worth, develop healthier eating habits and stop further medical complications.

Symptoms of anorexia include:

• Noticeable weight loss
• Hiding weight loss with baggy clothing
• Obsession with calorie counting and dieting
• Refusal to eat certain foods or food categories
• Avoiding eating around other people
• Compulsive exercising
• Cessation of menstrual cycles
• Denial that thinness is a problem

2. Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa, commonly known as “bulimia,” is a serious disorder in which a person overeats and then “purges” to get rid of the food. These unhealthy methods include inducing vomiting or abusing laxatives. When those with bulimia binge, they may feel a lack of control over their behavior. Compared to people with anorexia, those with bulimia usually maintain a healthy or normal weight rather than being severely underweight. However, these individuals have the same fear of gaining weight and poor idea of self-image as people with anorexia.

Symptoms of bulimia include:

• Chronic sore throat and swollen glands in the neck and jaw from frequent vomiting
• Dental problems like decay, sensitivity and worn enamel from exposure to stomach acid
• Frequent acid reflux
• Intestinal irritation from laxative abuse
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance from improper levels of calcium, sodium, potassium and other minerals

3. Binge Eating Disorder

According to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. People suffering from this disease often lose control over their eating, but not exhibit purging behaviors characteristic of bulimia. Binge eating disorder is mostly seen in people who are obese, as opposed to average weight (seen with bulimia) or underweight (seen with anorexia) individuals. The dangers of binge eating are different from the dangers of bulimia and anorexia but can be just as challenging and life-threatening. Some of the most common risks associated with this condition include high blood pressure, heart disease and psychological symptoms like guilt and shame.

Signs of binge eating include:

• Presence of large quantities of empty food wrappers or containers
• Disappearance of large amounts of food in a short period
• Food hoarding or storing food in strange places
• Wearing loose clothing to hide weight gain
• Avoiding eating around other people
• Attempting to diet to lose weight, but not being able to do so

Other Types of Eating Disorders

In addition to the anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, there are other types of eating disorders which may not be as common. These include pica, rumination disorder and night eating syndrome.

• Individuals with pica feel an intense urge to consume certain non-food items, such as clay, dirt or paint.
• Individuals with rumination disorder regurgitate food that has previously been swallowed.
• With night eating syndrome, individuals wake up at night and overeat regularly.

Related Topic: Pica treatment

Eating disorders are mental illnesses that are not only emotionally damaging but can also pose a significant threat to physical health. Thankfully with treatment, there is hope to reverse these complications.

If you or someone you love is coping with co-occurring substance use and eating disorders, treatment is available. The Recovery Village provides comprehensive care for co-occurring addiction and mental health conditions, including online counseling and teletherapy. Finding the right treatment program for the person with substance addiction and an eating disorder is essential for recovery, and we’re here to help whenever you need us. Reach out today for more information.

Editor – Megan Hull

Megan Hull is a content specialist who edits, writes and ideates content to help people find recovery. Read more