Eating Disorders
What are they and why it is important to talk about them?
Eating disorders are serious medical psychiatric conditions that involve a disordered relationship with food and one's own body.
They can manifest in different ways, but all eating disorders have a negative impact on physical and mental health.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by excessive concern for weight and body shape that leads to underweight. People with anorexia have a distorted body image and refuse to eat even when they are hungry.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives or diuretics, and excessive exercise. People with bulimia therefore typically maintain a normal weight, but still feel insecure and dissatisfied with their physical appearance, which negatively affects their self-esteem.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating associated with feelings of loss of control. Unlike bulimia nervosa, this disorder does not involve compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives, or excessive exercise. Those who suffer from this disorder may experience significant weight gain and often experience excessive feelings of guilt and shame due to their relationship with food.