What is eating diorders?

Eating disorders are a group of mental illnesses that affect how people think about food and weight. They can lead to unhealthy eating habits that can cause serious health problems. Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic levels.

There are three main types of eating disorders:

* Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, weight loss, and restriction of food intake. People with anorexia nervosa may have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously underweight.

* Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating followed by purging. Binge eating is eating a large amount of food in a short period of time. Purging can be done through vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, or exercising excessively.

* Binge eating disorder is characterized by binge eating without purging. People with binge eating disorder may feel a loss of control during binge eating and may eat until they feel uncomfortably full.

Eating disorders can cause a variety of health problems, including:

* Malnutrition

* Dehydration

* Electrolyte imbalances

* Heart problems

* Kidney problems

* Bone loss

* Infertility

* Depression

* Anxiety

* Suicidal thoughts

If you think you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a combination of therapy, nutrition counseling, and medication.