6 TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS

 

One of the most common misconceptions about eating disorders are that they only affect women according to a survey conducted by self magazine and the University of North Carolina, 65  of American women between the ages of 25 and 45 have reported taking part in unhealthy eating behaviors.

However, roughly 1 in 3 men are also affected by this deadly psychological disorder. At the age of twelve, I experienced an eating disorder that made me never look at food the same way. I was always nervous child but I had a heavy breakdown when I couldnt keep up with all the changes trown my way.

I started middle school, and had trouble making new friends. That same year, my farther also left to start a new career in another country. Everything spiraled out of control and soon my body began to reject food the way it rejected the harsh reality.

Luckily, Im a survivor of my eating disorder. I learned not to let it define me, and neither should you if you are currently going through a similar battle. 

Here are six types of eating disorders.

1. Avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder 

People with this kind of eating disorder under eat due to a lack of interest in food, or intent distaste for how certain foods look, smell or taste.

They may lose weight or experience nutritional deficiency  due to eating less than is necessary  for maintaining a healthy diet I remember avoiding parties and other social events that would involve celebration meals.

Eating infront of others was genuinely a painful process for me, so I'd hide in the girl's  bathroom during lunch period everyday until it was over.

2. Anorexia nervosa

This is the type everyone usually first thinks of when they hear the term " eating disorder". People with anorexia nervosa are obsessed with perfecting their body image. 

They like to remain in control by limitimg the amount of calories they consume, to achieve their ideal body shape. Even when they are severly underweight, people with this disorder have a hard time recognizing it.

Driven by their obsessive compulsive behaviors, they adapt disorted self perception and have dangerously  high expectations.

3. Bulimia nervosa

People with this type of eating disorder inludge in a large amount of food, and make themselves  purge shorlty after. Purging gives them a sense of relief, and similarly to  anorexia nervousa, this helps them feel like they are in control of their own bodies.

It may be hard for others to spot those with bulimia nervosa, because they might be able to maintain a normal weight.

4. Binge eating disorder 

People who binge eat, consume a large amount of food on a day to day basis. They often exceed the suggested daily calorie  intake and are usually overweight or obese.

People with binhe eating disorder often feel ashamed of themselves  and do not feel in control of their bodies. If people with this type of disorder do not seek treatment they can run the risk of developing  heart disease and diabetes.

5. Pica

Pica is an eating disorder in which the individual consumes non food items. Such as rocks, paper and hair.

Although the causes of it are unknown, researches hypothesize that it can be influenced by factors such as stress, developmental disorders, and low socio economic status. Most often though, pica is reported alongside nutritional deficiency.

Like any consumption of non food items, pica has the risk of infections and poisoning.

6. Nocturnal sleep related eating disorder 

This type of eating disorder occurs when individuals unknowingly eat in their sleep. They may roam in their kitchen cabinets and fridge or eat straight in bed.

According to healthy place, some people have reported eating strange combinations of food. Such as hot dogs dipped in peanut butter. This type of eating disorder affects one to three percent of the world's general population.