Understanding Eating Disorders
Body image is the mental picture we form of our own appearance. This internal perception may or may not align with how others see us — and for many, it can be distorted. Negative body image affects people of all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, culture, gender, or age.
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 30 million Americans will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental health conditions — with one death every 62 minutes in the United States alone.
Types of Eating Disorders
There are many forms of eating disorders, and the list below highlights just a few:
- Anorexia Nervosa – Restriction of food intake leading to significantly low body weight, often driven by intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.
- Bulimia Nervosa – Episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, to prevent weight gain.
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED) – Repeated episodes of consuming unusually large amounts of food in short periods, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and shame.
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Often seen in children, this condition involves avoiding or restricting certain foods, leading to nutritional deficiencies and significant health concerns.
- Diabulimia – The deliberate underuse of insulin by individuals with Type 1 diabetes in order to lose weight or avoid weight gain.
Treatment and Support
Eating disorder treatment should involve a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each individual's needs. A care team may include:
- Psychologist or therapist
- Psychiatrist
- Registered dietitian or nutritionist
- Primary care physician
- Social worker
Psychological treatment alone is often not enough. Medical oversight is essential due to the potentially life-threatening health risks. Support from family therapy, group therapy, and peer support can play a crucial role, especially in adolescents. One evidence-based approach for young people is Family-Based Treatment (FBT), as recommended by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).
In severe cases, inpatient or residential treatment may be necessary to ensure medical stability and provide intensive therapeutic care.
You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. Early intervention can make a critical difference in recovery.
Call the NEDA Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 to speak with someone who understands.