recurrent episodes of inappropriate purging behaviors to prevent weight gain.

recurrent episodes of binge eating with a feeling of lack of control.

However, individuals with bulimia usually maintain a relatively typical weight rather than losing a large amount of weight.Ĭommon symptoms of bulimia nervosa include ( 1): Symptoms may appear very similar to those of the binge eating or purging subtypes of anorexia nervosa. Individuals with bulimia then attempt to purge to compensate for the calories consumed and to relieve gut discomfort.Ĭommon purging behaviors include forced vomiting, fasting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, and excessive exercise. During a binge, the person usually feels that they cannot stop eating or control how much they are eating.īinges can happen with any type of food but most commonly occur with foods the individual would usually avoid. People with bulimia frequently eat unusually large amounts of food in a specific period of time.Įach binge eating episode usually continues until the person becomes painfully full. Like anorexia, bulimia tends to develop during adolescence and early adulthood and appears to be less common among men than women ( 10). In severe cases, anorexia can result in heart, brain, or multi-organ failure and death.īulimia nervosa is another well-known eating disorder.

Over time, individuals living with it may experience thinning of their bones, infertility, and brittle hair and nails. In both cases, after they eat, they purge using activities such as vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, or exercising excessively.Īnorexia can be very damaging to the body. Individuals with the binge eating and purging type may binge on large amounts of food or eat very little. Individuals with the restricting type lose weight solely through dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise. They may also have difficulty eating in public and exhibit a strong desire to control their environment, limiting their ability to be spontaneous ( 3).Īnorexia is officially categorized into two subtypes - the restricting type and the binge eating and purging type ( 1). For instance, many people with anorexia are preoccupied with constant thoughts about food, and some may obsessively collect recipes or hoard food. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms are also often present. In atypical anorexia, for example, a person may meet the criteria for anorexia but not be underweight despite significant weight loss ( 7). Using body mass index as a factor in diagnosis is outdated because people who are categorized as “normal” or “overweight” can have the same risks. However, it’s important to note that weight should not be the major focus of diagnosing someone with anorexia.

a distorted body image, including denial of being seriously underweight.

a heavy influence of body weight or perceived body shape on self-esteem.a relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight.intense fear of gaining weight or persistent behaviors to avoid gaining weight, despite being underweight.They tend to constantly monitor their weight, avoid eating certain types of foods, and severely restrict their calorie intake.Ĭommon symptoms of anorexia nervosa include ( 1): People with anorexia generally view themselves as overweight, even if they’re dangerously underweight. It generally develops during adolescence or young adulthood and tends to affect more women than men ( 10). calluses across the tops of the finger joints (a sign of inducing vomiting)Īnorexia nervosa is likely the most well-known eating disorder.atypical lab test results ( anemia, low thyroid levels, low hormone levels, low potassium, low blood cell counts, slow heart rate).stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal symptoms.missing menstrual periods (in people who would typically menstruate).cooking meals for others without eating.expressing a need to “burn off” calories.severely limiting and restricting the amount and types of food consumed.dressing in layers to hide weight loss or stay warm.

intense fear of weight gain or being “fat”.

complaints of constipation, cold intolerance, abdominal pain, lethargy, or excess energy.preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, or dieting.Mental and behavioral signs may include ( 7): This preoccupation with food and weight may make it hard to focus on other aspects of life ( 3). What are the signs of an eating disorder?ĭifferent types of eating disorders have different symptoms, but each condition involves an extreme focus on issues related to food and eating, and some involve an extreme focus on weight.

Gain laundry detergent