Q: What are the 3 main types of eating disorders?

The three main types of eating disorders are: <ul role="presentation"> <li>Anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia choose to eat very little which causes excessive weight loss. They do this because they fear gaining weight. </li><li>Bulimia nervosa. People with bulimia will experience cycles of extreme overeating, followed by purging. </li><li>Binge eating disorder. People with this disorder eat excessive amounts of food very quickly, even when they aren&#39;t hungry. </li> </ul>

Question 1

What does it mean to have an eating disorder?

Accepted Answer

Having an eating disorder means that you suffer from at least one of the several eating disorders known to mental health experts. Experts estimate that around 30 million Americans suffer from one or other type of eating disorder. People with eating disorders are obsessed with dieting, weight loss, and controlling what they eat.

They may refuse to eat certain foods and even stop eating whole food categories such as dairy or animal proteins. They may refuse to eat out and are uncomfortable with food prepared by others.

People with eating disorders may skip meals or take extremely small amounts of food. They may manifest withdrawal symptoms as their unhealthy food habits drive them away from friends and social life. They are obsessed with dieting. Such people are very concerned with their body shape and size.

They may experience extreme weight loss bordering on malnutrition. They have unhealthy food rituals, such as taking hours to source and prepare meals. Such people may experience gastrointestinal problems such as constipation. Some engage in binge eating and manifest feelings of disgust, guilt, or low self-esteem after overeating.

Question 2

What is orthorexia?

Accepted Answer

Orthorexia is an eating disorder that manifests through an obsession to eat healthy food. People who suffer from this condition manifest a fixation with eating healthy food. The obsession is so deep that it often harms their health. Mental health professionals categorize orthorexia as a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with this condition restrict their intake of certain types of food. This increases the risk of malnutrition.

Orthorexia is not included in the DSM-5, but many mental health professionals treat it as an eating disorder that can cause poor physical and mental health. Orthorexia can also cause protein deficiency disorders that can harm vital organs such as the kidneys. Orthorexia has grown in recent years due to the emergence of healthism movements led by celebrities and popular bloggers. Some of the people suffering from this condition judge others based on the food they eat. They may try to isolate themselves from people who do not subscribe to their beliefs.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of orthorexia?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of orthorexia include:

A deep concern about the ingredient one is taking are healthy
Compulsive scrutiny of ingredients and nutritional labels to determine if they are healthy
Making large lists of food groups that one considers to be unhealthy, such as dairy products, sugars, all meat, and animal products.
Refusing to eat most foods except a few that the individual considers to be 'pure' or healthy
An obsession with what other people are eating
Spending several hours every day contemplating the foods that will be served at future meals or events
Manifesting elevated levels of distress when healthy or safe food is not available
Obsessively following influencers who champion 'healthy foods'
Some individuals show concerns about their body image
Gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, constipation, and nausea,
Electrolyte abnormalities caused by a low intake of some minerals such as potassium.
Kidney problems

Question 4

What are the 3 main types of eating disorders?

Accepted Answer

The three main types of eating disorders are:

Anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia choose to eat very little which causes excessive weight loss. They do this because they fear gaining weight.
Bulimia nervosa. People with bulimia will experience cycles of extreme overeating, followed by purging.
Binge eating disorder. People with this disorder eat excessive amounts of food very quickly, even when they aren't hungry.

What does it mean to have an eating disorder?

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