Eating disorders are far more complex than common knowledge. The first thing that comes to mind is anorexia or body image problems. However, just like eating disorders are not only manifestations of body dissatisfaction and unattainable societal beauty standards, how eating disorders develop can be nuanced.
People with eating disorders don't necessarily need to show physical evidence of their suffering. Rather, this is a dangerous stereotype that has prevented many eating disorder victims from seeking help. An eating disorder is first and foremost a mental health ailment. No matter what the eyes see, all forms of eating disorders are harmful physically, mentally, and emotionally.
That being said, being cognizant of these types allows for more compassion and understanding. This way, people with eating disorders can feel supported when considering treatment.
Types of Eating Disorders
There are several well-known and common eating disorders, as well as others which are less common and thus, we don't hear about as much. Some of the most widespread eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder (BED), and EDNOS.
Many of these eating disorders are characterized by body dysmorphia, or an extreme misperception of one's own body, perhaps thinking it to be larger than its reality. However, not all eating disorders function solely as a means to lose weight. Rather, they come about from a variety of genetic, environmental, mental and emotional factors.
- Anorexia nervosa - Anorexia is the most well-known disorder that people associate with an extremely low body weight and starvation. While an official diagnosis for anorexia nervosa might require one to be far below a healthy weight for their height, for a better-tailored treatment plan, not all anorexia appears as people assume. In fact, atypical anorexia is a subset that applies to individuals with all the symptoms of anorexia, but have not "yet" dipped beneath a certain BMI. The misinformation about anorexia nervosa can further perpetuate a sufferer's compulsive need to lose weight before they can feel valid enough to seek help.
- Bulimia nervosa - Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder known for its binge-eating and purging cycle. While there are various subtypes of bulimia, generally individuals may attempt to lose weight, feel the uncontrollable urge to binge on large amounts of food, and purge or expel that food out of extreme shame and guilt. While the main mode of purging is via vomiting, some with bulimia may exercise for excessive amounts of time to burn all or more calories consumed. Other forms include fasting for long periods of time and laxative-abuse. Bulimia can be more difficult to pinpoint since many people with bulimia have a normal, seemingly healthy weight.
- Binge eating disorder (BED) - As much as eating and indulging is normalized, binge eating disorder is a prominent and just as difficult disorder to have. People with BED can feel consistent, repetitive urges to consume excessive amounts of calories rapidly all in one sitting. People with BED emerge from each binge episode feeling immense guilt and physical pain, which can keep them stuck in the cycle. While an overweight BMI can be a common characteristic, sufferers with BED come in all sizes. Unfortunately, a lack of awareness about BED can lead others to mistakenly advise people with BED to simply diet or exercise, which can exacerbate the disorder.
Lesser known eating disorders include orthorexia, pica, and anorexia athletica. Finally, there is EDNOS (Eating disorder not otherwise specified) which applies to those disordered behaviors that don't neatly fit into any category. Instead, people with EDNOS may experience cycles of different behaviors.
Tips for Handling Eating Disorders
First of all, knowing the specific disorder one is struggling with is essential. Without identifying one's disorder objectively, loved ones may accidentally trigger someone with an eating disorder. At the very least, when in doubt, never assume what someone is going through.
The root of such disorders is not always just a body-related thing. Eating disorders come about from a variety of factors, usually stepping in as a coping mechanism in the absence of neglect, love, support, or other needs in life. It's important to reign in potentially insensitive advice like, "Just love yourself," or "All bodies are beautiful."
If a loved one has an eating disorder, be encouraging in helping them seek treatment. Being understanding and open is a huge help for someone struggling with an eating disorder. Pressuring someone to eat or not engage in compulsive behaviors is like telling an addict not to use their drug or substance of choice. The best thing you can do is draw them out of their mental prisons, continually reminding them that their struggles are valid and worth others' time and attention.