What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are serious conditions with persistent disturbances in eating and in thinking about weight and shape that harm physical and psychological health. They can affect people of any age, gender or body size.
Main types
Anorexia nervosa (restriction, fear of weight gain, low weight), bulimia nervosa (binge eating with compensatory behaviours), binge-eating disorder (recurrent loss-of-control eating without compensation) and ARFID (restricted intake without body-image concerns).
Treatment
NICE guidance recommends family-based treatment for young people with anorexia and eating-disorder-focused CBT for binge-related disorders, with medical monitoring because of risks such as electrolyte and heart problems.
Where to get help
- Korea
- 109 (suicide prevention), 1577-0199 (mental health crisis)
- US
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- UK/Ireland
- Samaritans 116 123
- Emergency
- Local emergency number
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you are concerned, please consult a qualified health professional.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between anorexia and bulimia?
- Anorexia centres on severe restriction and low weight; bulimia on bingeing followed by compensatory behaviours.
- Is an eating disorder a choice?
- No; it is an illness shaped by biological, psychological and social factors.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). DSM-5-TR (feeding and eating disorders).
- Treasure, J., Duarte, T. A., & Schmidt, U. (2020). Eating disorders. The Lancet, 395(10227), 899–911.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2017). Eating disorders: Recognition and treatment (NG69).