Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders Overview

Eating disorders affect more than 30 million Americans and much more youth worldwide. These disorders can affect people of any age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, body shape, and weight. There is no single known cause for eating disorders.

Who is at risk of an eating disorder?

Eating disorders have high comorbidity with other mental health diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. For example, 48-51% of people with anorexia nervosa, 54-81% of people with bulimia nervosa, and 55-65% of people with binge eating disorder are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Among U.S. females in their teens and 20’s, the prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical Anorexia Nervosa may be as high as 15%. In a large study of 14- and 15-year-olds, dieting was the most important predictor of a developing eating disorder.

From 1999 to 2009, the number of men hospitalized for an eating disorder-related cause increased by 53%.

What are the different types of eating disorders?

There are four main types of eating disorders:

• Anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia severely restrict calories to the point of starvation. There is an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of their body image. They may refuse to eat at all or only eat tiny amounts of food that have few calories.
• Bulimia nervosa. People diagnosed with bulimia nervosa binge on large quantities of food, then force themselves to vomit. They may also exercise compulsively and take laxatives to help rid their body of the calories they’ve eaten. People diagnosed with bulimia nervosa continue this cycle of binging and purging and may also excessively restrict calories in between binges.
• Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Some people are not overly concerned with their weight or body image and may not be able to consume enough calories to stay healthy. These are not simply picky eaters; their restrictive eating can lead to serious medical consequences in ways that are very similar to anorexia and bulimia.
• Binge-eating disorder. This is also known as compulsive overeating. People diagnosed with binge-eating disorder consume excessive amounts of food without purging. They often eat uncontrollably despite feeling full. People diagnosed with binge-eating disorder may feel guilty or ashamed after a binge and go on an extreme diet as a result. Binge eating can occur in people of any weight.

What are the warning signs and symptoms of eating disorders?

• Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, body image, and/or dieting.
• Fluctuations in weight (both up and down).
• Refusing to eat certain foods or whole food categories (e.g., no carbohydrates, no dairy).
• Development of abnormal, secretive, extreme, or ritualized food or eating habits.
• Eating beyond the point of comfortable fullness.
• The disappearance of a large amount of food.
• Intense fear of weight gain.
• Loss of menstrual period in women.
• Extreme mood swings.
• Skipping meals or eating small portions.
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals.
• Abuse of laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Fear of eating after a scary experience with food (e.g., choking, vomiting).
• Excessive exercise.

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Tips for parents and caregivers of children with eating disorders

Eating disorders are complex medical and psychiatric disorders that can cause serious health problems for children and teens and, unfortunately, have increased tremendously during the pandemic. The National Eating Disorders Association helpline reported a 40% increase in calls from March 2020. Approximately 35% of those who called were 13-to-17 years old, which is a 30% increase from before the pandemic.

Seek medical evaluation

Eating disorders can cause a wide range of medical challenges. Schedule a visit with your doctor to ensure your child’s health is not at immediate risk.

Be honest and use “I” statements

Be open and honest about your concerns and stick to the facts. Point out what you have observed. For example, “I have noticed you stopped eating dinner with us.”

Be caring, but firm

Show compassion and understanding by listening to your child. Ask your child if they have their own reasons for wanting to change. If any of the above symptoms are present, remain firm in tackling problematic eating behaviors and the need for your child to seek professional support.

Foster self-esteem

Avoid commenting on your teen’s weight or size, or on others’. Focusing on shape and weight may send the message that the way someone looks is most important. Instead, practice body positivity and appreciation of qualities outside of appearances, such as curiosity and a sense of humor.

Model healthy attitudes and behaviors

Stay away from labeling foods as “good” or “bad”. Allow all foods in your home. Encourage balanced eating of a variety of foods.

Seek professional help

Most people with eating disorders require professional help to get better. Seek treatment from a team of providers, including a medical doctor, dietician, and psychologist. Getting timely treatment increases a person’s chances of recovery.

If your child expresses thoughts about wanting to kill themselves or is saying unsafe things, or if you suspect medical complications from eating disorder behaviors (such as fainting) call 911 or bring your child to the nearest Emergency Department.

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Tips for kids and teens with eating disorders

Eating disorders are complex and can feel overwhelming or defeating. While asking for help is key to recovery, there are also a few key pieces of advice you can follow that may help you cope as you seek treatment.

Understand size diversity

Everyone has a unique genetic composition that influences their bone structure, body size, weight, and shape differently. Your body can be healthy across a wide range of weights. It is normal for health to look different in different people.

Avoid comparisons

Try to stay away from comparing your body with your friends’ bodies or celebrities on TV and social media. Remember, we are all naturally different.

Ask yourself how you are feeling

Have you noticed any physical health effects or emotional effects of your eating behaviors? What changes are you willing to make in your life to establish a healthy relationship with food? What do you gain from your current eating habits?

Seek support

When you start to notice your eating habits are affecting your life, mood, and ability to concentrate, it is important to talk to someone about what you are going through. This can be with your parents or guardians, or another trusted adult. Remember that it is never too early to ask for help!

Get professional help

Getting help from a team of professionals, like your doctor, a therapist and a dietician can help you understand and manage your feelings and behaviors. You can contact the National Eating Disorders Helpline at (800) 931-2237 or text “NEDA” to 741741 for immediate support.

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