Understanding Eating Disorders and Their Impact

Types of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and eating habits. They affect people of all ages and body types, and can have life-threatening consequences if left untreated.

Anorexia Nervosa

A serious condition marked by extreme restriction of food intake leading to significant weight loss.

Type

Restrictive Type

Limits food directly and may over-exercise

Binge/Purge Type

Consumes large amounts of food and then purges through vomiting or laxatives

Symptoms

Intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, denial of low weight.

Risks

Heart issues, bone density loss, infertility, and highest mortality rate among mental health disorders.

Bulimia Nervosa

A cycle of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Typical Body Type

Usually within or above normal weight range.

Symptoms

Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, swollen cheeks, worn tooth enamel, guilt and shame after eating.

Risks

Electrolyte imbalance, gastrointestinal problems, heart complications.

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)

Recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time, without purging behaviors.

Behavioral Patterns

Eating quickly, eating when not hungry, eating alone due to shame.

Emotional Impact

Guilt, depression, and loss of control.

Risks

Weight gain, obesity-related health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.).

Orthorexia Nervosa

An obsession with eating foods one considers “pure” or “healthy,” often leading to nutritional imbalances.

Not officially classified

by DSM-5 but recognized as a disordered pattern.

Symptoms

Avoiding entire food groups, anxiety around food choices, social isolation due to eating rules.

Risks

Malnutrition, weight loss, mental distress.

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

Not driven by body image, but by a lack of interest in food, sensory issues, or fear of choking/vomiting.

Common in

children and individuals with autism or anxiety disorders.

Symptoms

Limited diet, low appetite, significant nutritional deficiencies, growth problems in children.

Risks

Weight loss, growth delays, dependence on supplements or feeding tubes.

PICA

Persistent craving and consumption of non-food items like dirt, chalk, paper, or soap.

Often linked to

mineral deficiencies, pregnancy, or developmental disorders.

Symptoms

Eating substances with no nutritional value for over a month.

Risks

Intestinal blockages, poisoning, infections, and malnutrition.

Prevalence & Risk Factors

Eating disorders are more common than many realize, with young females most at risk. They are complex conditions influenced by both biology and environment.

Food Freedom helps people build a healthy and balanced relationship with food by focusing on nourishment instead of strict diets. It shares helpful information about the harm of diet culture and teaches ways to eat more naturally and accept your body. Through articles, courses, and online support groups, Food Freedom gives people the tools to feel more in control. With Food Freedom, food stops being the main focus, and you take back control of your life.

Morgan, CEO

01. Who It Affects

Primarily adolescent and young adult females, though anyone can develop an eating disorder.

02. Prevalence Rates

Anorexia affects about 0.8% and bulimia about 4% of females in Western countries.

03. Mortality Risk

Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder.

04. Root Causes

Often a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors—body image alone isn’t the sole reason.

I’m not a licensed therapist or dietitian, but this resource is based on my personal experience and my professional training as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). It’s meant to offer helpful, supportive tips for people dealing with food and body struggles who don’t need urgent medical care.

This page is not a substitute for individualized medical or psychological care. If you or someone you love is in crisis, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider. My hope is to offer a more accessible and affordable option for support along your journey.