What are the most common types of eating disorders?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can have serious physical and emotional consequences. They affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. In this blog, we will explore the most common types of eating disorders, their characteristics, prevalence, and treatment options.

Image of a girl eating. Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that distorts body image and leads to extreme weight loss. Early intervention and professional help are crucial for recovery.

1. Anorexia Nervosa

Overview: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading individuals to restrict their food intake severely. This disorder often involves extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other behaviors to prevent weight gain.

Prevalence: Anorexia affects approximately 0.9% of women and 0.3% of men at some point in their lives.

Symptoms:

  • Extreme weight loss

  • Relentless pursuit of thinness

  • Refusal to maintain a healthy weight

  • Distorted body image

  • Denial of the seriousness of low body weight

Health Risks:

  • Malnutrition

  • Heart problems

  • Osteoporosis

  • Infertility

  • Multi-organ failure

Image of plate and utensils. Treating anorexia involves a comprehensive approach that includes medical care, nutritional counseling, and therapy. Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.

Treatment:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals address and change distorted thinking patterns and behaviors.

  • Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Involves the family in supporting the individual’s recovery.

  • Nutritional Counseling: Guides individuals to establish healthy eating habits.

  • Medical Monitoring: Regular check-ups to manage physical health issues.

2. Bulimia Nervosa

Overview: Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives. Individuals with bulimia often feel a lack of control during binge episodes.

Prevalence: Bulimia affects approximately 1.5% of women and 0.5% of men at some point in their lives.

Symptoms:

Health Risks:

  • Electrolyte imbalances

  • Gastrointestinal problems

  • Severe dehydration

  • Tooth decay

  • Heart complications

Treatment:

  • CBT: Focuses on breaking the binge-purge cycle and addressing underlying emotional issues.

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): Addresses interpersonal issues that contribute to the disorder.

  • Medication: Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, can help reduce symptoms.

  • Nutritional Counseling: Helps individuals develop healthy eating patterns.

Image of nuggets and fries. Binge eating involves consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and loss of control. It’s a challenging disorder, but recovery is possible with the right support.

3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Overview: Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort. Unlike bulimia, binge eating episodes are not followed by purging behaviors.

Prevalence: BED affects about 3.5% of women and 2% of men.

Symptoms:

  • Eating large amounts of food in a short period

  • Eating even when not hungry

  • Eating alone due to embarrassment

  • Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating

Health Risks:

  • Obesity

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Sleep apnea

Image of a boy feeling bad about eating too much. Binge eating isn't just about overeating; it can lead to serious health risks like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and emotional distress.

Treatment:

  • CBT: Helps manage binge eating behaviors and address emotional triggers.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation and mindfulness.

  • Medication: Certain medications, such as Vyvanse, are FDA-approved for treating BED.

  • Nutritional Counseling: Supports the development of balanced eating habits.

4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Overview: ARFID is a relatively new diagnosis characterized by a lack of interest in eating or food, or avoiding food with certain sensory characteristics, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns.

Prevalence: ARFID affects about 3.2% of the general population, with higher rates among children and adolescents.

Symptoms:

  • Eating only a narrow range of foods

  • Avoiding foods with specific textures, colors, or smells

  • Significant weight loss or nutritional deficiencies

  • Difficulty eating in social situations

Health Risks:

  • Malnutrition

  • Weight loss

  • Growth delays in children

  • Nutritional deficiencies

Image of a man in eating disorder therapy. Therapy can be life-changing for those battling eating disorders. It helps uncover the root causes, develop healthier habits, and rebuild a positive relationship with food and self.

Treatment:

  • CBT: Focuses on changing negative food-related thoughts and behaviors.

  • Exposure Therapy: Gradually exposes individuals to feared foods to reduce anxiety.

  • Nutritional Counseling: Ensures a balanced and adequate diet.

  • Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Involves family members in treatment, especially for younger individuals.

5. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

Overview: OSFED encompasses eating disorders that do not meet the exact criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder but still cause significant distress or impairment. This category acknowledges the complexity and variety of eating disorders.

Prevalence: OSFED is one of the most common eating disorder diagnoses, affecting up to 6% of the population.

Examples:

  • Atypical anorexia nervosa (weight is not below normal)

  • Bulimia nervosa of low frequency or limited duration

  • Binge eating disorder of low frequency or limited duration

  • Purging disorder (purging without binge eating)

  • Night eating syndrome (excessive nighttime food consumption)

Health Risks:

  • Vary depending on the specific behaviors and severity

  • Similar to risks associated with anorexia, bulimia, and BED

Treatment:

  • CBT: Addresses maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.

  • DBT: Helps with emotional regulation and coping strategies.

  • Nutritional Counseling: Aids in developing healthy eating habits.

  • Medication: Can be prescribed based on specific symptoms and co-occurring conditions.

Image of a woman building a healthy relationship with food. Recovering from an eating disorder is a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and healing.

YOU CAN GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR EATING, YOUR BODY, AND YOUR SELF-IMAGE! GET SUPPORT WITH EATING DISORDER TREATMENT IN HOUSTON, TX TODAY!

If you are struggling with your body image or if you’re unsure if you have eating disorder, Wilson Counseling can help! Our Texas eating disorder therapist and body image counselors can support you as you strive to have a better relationship with your body. Take these steps to get support and learn more about eating disorders.

  1. Give us a call today to set up a free consultation.

  2. Schedule your first appointment for eating disorder and body image therapy.

  3. Get the support and help you need.

OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX

In addition to Eating Disorder and Body Image Therapy, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals, we offer Anxiety Treatment, Premarital Counseling, Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling, Divorce Counseling, Infertility Counseling, Perinatal and Postpartum Treatment, Parenting Counseling, Family Therapy, Child Therapy, and Teen Counseling. As well as School and College Counseling, ADHD Treatment, Autism Therapy, Trauma Therapy, PTSD Treatment, EMDR Therapy, Chronic Pain Therapy and LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.

If you’re ready to get started, please contact Wilson Counseling today. Together we can get you to a better place and help you achieve a healthier lifestyle.