What are the 3 most common eating disorders and what characteristics of each?

1. Anorexia nervosa

* Characteristics:

* Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat

* Distorted body image, seeing oneself as overweight even when underweight

* Restriction of food intake, often leading to severe weight loss

* Amenorrhea, or cessation of menstrual periods

2. Bulimia nervosa

* Characteristics:

* Binge eating, followed by purging (vomiting, using laxatives, excessive exercise, etc.)

* Fear of gaining weight or becoming fat

* Fluctuating weight

* Enamel erosion and tooth decay from stomach acid

* Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances

3. Binge-eating disorder

* Characteristics:

* Recurrent episodes of binge eating without purging

* Feeling a loss of control during binge eating episodes

* Eating large amounts of food quickly and until uncomfortably full

* Feelings of guilt, shame, or disgust after binge eating

* Weight gain or obesity

Eating Disorders - Related Articles