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Eating disorders are mainly categorized into 3 main types as observed across the world. The list of different eating disorders mainly comprises of Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge eating or compulsive over eating. Anorexia is one of the eating disorders types which are commonly characterized by a refusal to eat normally. In this type of eating disorder, the person does not stop eating completely but the eating habits of the concerned person are such that there is a significant amount of weight that is lost. In this eating disorder type, the person is obsessed with being thin and may resort to severely restrictive diets to reduce weight.
It has been observed that a trigger for anorexia in people may be a negative comment or remark about their weight or body shape from other people. Hence when the diet does result in weight loss, positive comments about their new body shape and weight may encourage them continue dieting. In the cases of teenagers, anorexia may develop as a result of them trying to be in control or even because of extreme stress. Such teenagers who suffer from this eating disorder are constantly terrified of gaining weight and may be constantly looking at themselves in the mirror at every chance they get. Even though the individual may actually be emaciated and thin they may still consider themselves to be fat. Different types of eating disorders also bring with them different side effects. Similarly, those suffering from anorexia tend to suffer from low self esteem, depression, hair, nail and skin problems. There are also many physical problems associated with anorexia and other different eating disorders. These include cold intolerance, dry hair and skin, fainting and dizziness, constipation, stunted growth, growth of fine hair all over the body, kidney problems, anemia, loss of menstrual periods etc. People suffering from anorexia are petrified about losing weight and are constantly worried about the calorie sin their food and also at times over exercise. Another type of eating disorder is bulimia which is basically a combination of anorexia and compulsive over eating or binge eating. People who are bulimic will at least twice a week eat large amounts of food even of they are not hungry and then compensate for this binge eating by excessive exercise, self induced vomiting, fasting or misusing diet pills. Some bulimic adults or teenagers may even skips meals, severely restrict their intake of food and even use laxatives. However in spite of such habits, many bulimic people tend to be of normal weight. Besides other physical side effects associated with different eating disorders, people who are bulimic also tend to exhibit mental and behavioral issues such as substance abuse problems, self inflicted harm such as burning and cutting, depression, impulsivity etc.
The final type of commonly known eating disorder is binge eating or compulsive over eating wherein the individual will eat food excessively and impulsively. Unlike those suffering from bulimia, binge eaters will not try to compensate for the over eating and will instead over eat again on account of feeling guilty for the earlier episodes. Many a time’s people who suffer from binge eating are prescribed anti depressants or appetite suppressants. Eating disorders may develop in an individual because of various factors such as constant fights in the family, genetics, cultural and social pressure, low self esteem, and depression. In addition to the discussed eating disorders there are also other eating disorders such as obsessive dieters and people suffering from partial syndrome. People with eating disorders should be closely monitored and should receive plenty of support from friends and family to overcome their self esteem issues and depression if any.
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