Eating disorders are serious physical and mental health conditions that can have life-threatening consequences for the people who suffer from them. The causes of eating disorders are complex, and result of a combination of societal, interpersonal, and psychological factors.
Anorexia Nervosa affects approximately 1 out of every 100 young women, and occurs when people literally starve themselves. People with anorexia are very thin, eat very little, and are extremely fearful of gaining weight.
Bulimia Nervosa occurs in another 2 to 5 out of every 100 young women. This disorder occurs when an individual binges on large quantities of food and purges by vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, and/or exercises compulsively.
Binge Eating Disorder affects about 10-15% of mildly obese individuals, and is marked by repeated episodes of uncontrolled overeating. This disorder can lead to conditions of overweight and obesity.
Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is a diagnostic category that represents individuals with eating disordered behaviors that resemble anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa but whose eating behaviors do not meet one or more essential diagnostic criteria.
