Types of Eating Disorders and How to Manage Them

Nearly 1 in 10 Americans experience an eating disorder at some point in life, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Understanding the truth about the various types of eating disorders is important, since they can cause serious damage. Read on to learn about some of the most common eating disorders that threaten your good health and potentially your life.
“Eating disorders are complex, multifaceted issues,” says Dr. Evelyn Attia, professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and director of the Center for Eating Disorders at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. “There is no single cause for these brain-based disorders that affect eating habits.”

What Increases Your Risk for Eating Disorders?

While there is no single cause, certain factors may increase your risk for all types of eating disorders. These include:

• Activities and environments. Environments that focus on weight or weight loss increase the risk. So does participation in activities, such as wrestling or ballet, which have strict weight requirements.
• Age. You can develop an eating disorder early or late in life. However, three of the most common types of eating disorders occur between the ages of 18 and 21, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
• Genetics. Certain aspects of your DNA make it more likely for you to experience an eating disorder. Dr. Attia states that the genetic connection is strongest for anorexia nervosa.
• Sex. Women are more than twice as likely as men to experience eating disorders.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

Most types of eating disorders include a poor body image, and all are serious mental health issues. Depending on the disorder, you may eat significantly more or less food than your body needs. Over time, this can lead to obesity, heart disease, malnutrition and other dangerous health conditions.
While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies a broad spectrum of eating disorders, the three most common are anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. Recognizing signs and symptoms of common eating disorders empowers you to seek treatment as early as possible.

Anorexia Nervosa

“This psychiatric illness has such an impact on the body,” says Dr. Suzanne Bailey-Straebler, clinical director of the Center for Eating Disorders Partial Hospital Program and Outpatient Specialty Clinic at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine. “It comes with so many potential side effects.”
One of the most heartbreaking complications is premature death.
People with anorexia are often very thin. Despite this, they feel they are overweight and take extreme steps to achieve a thinner frame. When they eat, they take only very small amounts, often sticking to specific foods.
Symptoms that indicate this type of eating disorder include:

• Being extremely thin
• Eating a small amount of food
• Feeling overweight despite obvious thinness
• Living in intense fear of weight gain
• Maintaining an excessive, intense exercise routine

Binge-Eating Disorder

On the opposite side of the spectrum, people with binge-eating disorder eat excessively, even when full. This uncontrolled eating can lead to weight gain, obesity and feelings of shame or guilt.
“We see this condition equally among the genders,” Dr. Straebler says, “and that’s important to keep in mind when considering if a man has this type of eating disorder.”
You can recognize binge-eating disorder by its symptoms, which include:

• Eating a large amount of food quickly, often in a short window of time when you’re not actually hungry
• Hiding your eating habits from others by eating alone when possible
• Starting new diets frequently, possibly without experiencing weight loss success

Bulimia Nervosa

Those living with this type of eating disorder experience episodes of bingeing. Afterward, they look for ways to get rid of the excess calories they just consumed. They may use laxatives or force themselves to vomit and purge themselves of the unwanted calories. Depending on the individual, someone with bulimia can be underweight, overweight or even a normal weight. When the condition doesn’t lead to significant weight changes, another problem arises.
“Some think their bingeing-and-purging behavior doesn’t need treatment,” Dr. Attia says, “which delays diagnosis and treatment.”
Symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

• Dehydration
• High levels of sodium, potassium or other minerals
• Ongoing sore throat or acid reflux (GERD)
• Sensitive teeth that show signs of decay
• Swollen neck and jaw glands

An Atypical Eating Disorder: ARFID

Several other types of eating disorders exist, including a unique condition called avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). If you have the condition, you eat limited food, but your motivation has nothing to do with body image.
Rather, your eating habits are caused by one of the following:

• Fear of choking or other food-related fears
• Lack of hunger or interest in food
• Sensory issues involving food, such as extremely strong taste buds

Left untreated, ARFID can cause weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and issues functioning in social settings at work, home or elsewhere.

Detecting Various Types of Eating Disorders

Anytime you suspect an eating disorder, seek medical attention immediately. While there is no single test to diagnose these conditions, a series of steps can help determine the type and severity of an eating disorder.
“A comprehensive evaluation depends on what symptoms and concerns you come to us with,” Dr. Attia says. “Sometimes, one visit isn’t sufficient to make a clear diagnosis.”
Steps that help your care team reach a diagnosis include:

• Discussion. Your health-care provider will ask about your medical history, lifestyle choices and symptoms that may indicate a disorder.
• Examination. Your health-care provider will check your teeth, skin, weight and more for signs of common eating disorders.
• Medical tests. Your health-care provider may order blood or urine screenings, test your kidney function or perform other tests. Combined, these help determine the presence and complications of a potential eating disorder.

Treatment for Eating Disorders

“Every culture has its own defined set of ideals,” Dr. Bailey-Straebler says. “By better understanding where our patients come to us from and what their particular culture is, we are much better able to personalize the treatments that we offer.”
A team approach often helps when treating the various types of eating disorders. Doctors, nurses, therapists, nutritionists and others work to understand and serve your needs. Based on your specific needs, they may recommend one or more of the following:

• Medication. Eating disorders often cause depression and anxiety. Medication that addresses these conditions and other mental health issues can also help manage an eating disorder.
• Monitoring. When eating disorders put you at risk for other health conditions, your team will monitor your health. This allows them to take action early if a disorder affects your kidneys, heart or other organs.
• Nutrition. A nutritionist, dietitian or other medical professional can help you develop a healthy eating plan to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Therapy. Individual, group and family therapy sessions can help you understand your condition and gain control over negative thoughts driving your behavior.

“Everyone should know that these illnesses are treatable,” Dr. Attia says. “I’ve seen so many cases when someone severely affected by an eating disorder recovers partially or fully, reclaiming their life in ways they didn’t think was possible.”

In Conclusion: Types of Eating Disorders

While there are many types of eating disorders, they all put your good health at risk by either reducing or increasing the amount of your daily calorie intake. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage your condition and experience improved quality of life.

1. Three of the most common eating disorders are bulimia, anorexia and binge-eating disorder. ARFID is another increasingly recognized eating disorder. Each of these mental health issues affects your relationship with food.
2. Diagnosing an eating disorder can take time. By considering your medical history and symptoms and performing specific tests, your care team can determine the type of disorder affecting you.
3. Treating an eating disorder is tailored to your needs. Common options include mental health or nutrition counseling and medication.

Are you or someone you love living with an eating disorder? Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine today.