Eating disorders are serious health conditions that impact both physical and mental well-being. According to the Butterfly Foundation, over 1.1 million Australians are living with an eating disorder. Eating disorders are complex conditions influenced by psychological and biological factors.
Types of eating disorders
There are several types of eating disorders. The most common being anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.
Anorexia Nervosa is a psychological illness that has severe physical and social consequences, characterised by severely restricting food intake, body dysmorphia and an intense fear of gaining weight. Individuals often see themselves as overweight, even when underweight, which can lead to extreme weight loss and serious health complications.
Bulimia Nervosa typically involves eating large amounts of food and then using compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, restricting food intake, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives or diuretics. Individuals with bulimia nervosa, may also hide their eating and compensatory behaviours.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterised by repeated binge eating, without compensatory behaviours. Feelings of guilt and shame often follow binge eating. It can often lead to weight gain, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) involves the avoidance or restriction of food intake, which is not caused by concerns about body image. This condition may arise from sensory issues such as the fear of choking or a lack of interest in food, and it can result in nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) is an umbrella term for disordered eating that doesn’t meet the standard for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Examples include purging, night eating syndrome, and atypical anorexia (significant restriction without being underweight).
