List of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders refer to the conditions of abnormal eating habits, which might include eating too much or eating too little. Though there are many eating disorders, there are a few common ones. The most common eating disorders are binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. These eating habits can lead to serious physical and emotional problems for those who suffer from them. It is recommended to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Most Common Eating Disorders

1. Binge Eating Disorder

In this disorder, suffers often consume large amounts of food at one time. Those who have this problem should seek immediate help, as the issues usually doesn’t go away on its own – it takes medical intervention to get over a binge eating disorder.

Symptoms. Those with binge eating disorder will often eat massive amounts of food, even when they are not hungry. They eat when they are alone, eat very fast and continue even when they are physically uncomfortable. They often feel depressed or anxious about their habits, and try to hide them from family and friends. They might lose weight and then put it back on in a “yo-yo” dieting cycle.
Complications. Many complications accompany binge eating disorder, including depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, obesity, heart disease, headaches, joint pain, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and other medical issues that can result from an unhealthy diet.
Risk Factors. Some of the risk factors for developing this disorder include psychological issues, family history and other hereditary factors, long-term problems with dieting and age, as most cases begin in the early twenties or late teens.
Home Remedies. Home remedies can include eating on a regular schedule, avoiding dieting, getting the right nutrients in your body, staying connected to family and friends and obtaining counseling if necessary.
Medical Treatments. Psychotherapy in individual or group sessions can help. These can include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Other options include medications, self-help strategies and monitored weight loss programs.

2. Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is a very serious eating disorder that could be life-threatening if not treated. Those with bulimia will often eat large amounts of food and throw it up shortly thereafter. This binging and purging cycle can do significant damage to your body. Those who suffer from bulimia nervosa might have serious emotional issues as well, such as judging themselves harshly for perceived physical flaws and having a very negative self-image.

Symptoms. Symptoms of bulimia include being very harsh with yourself about your body image, feeling depressed or anxious about gaining weight, binging to the point of pain, purging on a regular basis, using herbal supplements for weight loss and abusing enemas, laxatives and the like.
Complications. Constant vomiting can lead to serious problems with your health, including heart problems, tooth decay and gum disease, lack of a period for women, dehydration, and digestive problems. The anxiety and depression can also lead to problems with drugs, alcohol and the like.
Risk Factors. Females in their late teens are most susceptible to this eating disorder. Those who have a complicated body image, feel pressure in sports or society, and have a close relative who has dealt with bulimia are more likely to have this problem.
Home Remedies. Potential remedies for this condition include being cautious with exercise, staying social with family and friends, avoiding dieting, getting the right amount of nutrition and sticking to any treatment plans recommended by your doctor.
Medical Treatments. Potential treatments include medications and nutrition education, as well as hospitalization for the problem. Psychotherapy, including various forms of counseling, might also be recommended.

3. Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is marked by obsessive thoughts about weight and food, as well as a desire to maintain a weight that is much lower than it should be. People with anorexia often starve themselves in order to meet an ‘ideal’ weight, and they might also exercise obsessively if they do eat. It is important to remember that anorexia actually has nothing to do with food, and everything to do with emotional issues.

Symptoms. Anorexia often has several terrible side effects, such as excessive weight loss, thinning hair, dry skin, constipation, intolerance of cold, heart problems, dehydration, osteoporosis, dizziness, fainting, abnormal blood counts, aversions to food, and swelling of arms and legs, among other related symptoms.
Complications. Heart problems are common with those who have anorexia. Other problems include absence of a period in females and lowered testosterone in males, electrolyte imbalances, kidney problems, bone loss, anemia and even death.
Risk Factors. Young females are most at risk, especially those who have dealt with serious life changes or a family history of anorexia. Other risk factors include sports and work activities that require thinness, weight changes, genetic predisposition and media or society pressures.
Home Remedies. Home remedies might include alternative medicine, staying close to family and friends, avoiding scales to weigh yourself, and sticking to a treatment plan. including alternative medicine
Medical Treatments. Treatments for anorexia can be extensive, including hospitalization or care in a rehabilitation facility, medications, psychotherapy, help in achieving a healthy weight, and medical care for the complications of the disorder.