Eating disorders are more than just extreme dieting or having an abnormally large appetite. They are psychological issues and are usually more serious than they seem. There are many different types of eating disorders but the three most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating.

Anorexia nervosa:

Anorexia is a complex eating disorder in which an individual experiences extreme weight loss to an unhealthy point. Someone with anorexia may have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.

Warning Signs:

• Extreme weight loss
• Denial of hunger
• Obsession with body size and shape
• Eating very little
• Flat mood/ lack of emotion
• Thin appearance

Bulimia Nervosa:

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating, (eating large intakes of food in a short amount of time), followed by efforts to avoid gaining weight like vomiting or abusing laxatives. The cycle starts by food cravings, followed by binge eating, purging to avoid weight gain, and then feeling shame or disgust.

Warning signs:

• Smell of vomit, on the person or in the bathroom
• Excessive exercising
• Going to the bathroom after meals
• Scars or calluses on knuckles from sticking fingers down your throat to induce vomiting
• Discolored teeth from stomach acid when throwing up

Binge eating disorder:

Binge eating disorder is a disorder characterized as compulsive overeating, in which an individual consumes huge amounts of food while feeling powerless to stop. Binge eaters often eat even when they are not hungry at all. Unlike bulimia there, are no attempts to make up weight gain like fasting or exercise.

Warning signs:

• Feeling stress or tension that is only relieved by eating
• Eating even when full
• Eating normally around others, and gorging when alone
• Eating continuously throughout the day without any planned mealtimes

Hotlines/Helplines:

• National eating disorders association: 1800-931-2237
• Crisis call center: 800-273-8255
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorders: 630-577-1330
• National Hopeline Network: 800-442-HOPE (4673)