What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Each of these disorders has its own set of symptoms and can have serious physical and emotional consequences.

Early detection of an eating disorder increases the chances of recovery so being aware of warning signs of an eating disorder is important. While individuals coping with eating disorders may not experience all of the following signs and symptoms at once, below is a list of common types of signs that may indicate an issue:

• Preoccupation with food and weight
• Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restriction of whole categories of food
• Skipping meals or taking small portions at regular meals
• Discomfort eating around others
• Withdrawal from usual supports and activities
• Extreme swings in mood
• Frequent checking for perceived flaws in appearance and/or extreme concern with body size and shape
• Noticeable fluctuations in weight in either directions

Types of Eating Disorders

• Binge Eating Disorder - While anorexia and bulimia are serious eating disorders, the most common eating disorder regardless of gender in Canada is binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder (BED) typically involves eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often until uncomfortably full, in secret, or followed by feelings of shame. Binge eating patterns can often be tied to stress, sadness, and external life pressures related to things like work, school, friends or extracurriculars.
• Anorexia Nervosa - is an eating disorder that typically involves difficulty maintaining adequate body weight, fears around weight gain, and distorted perceptions around weight and shape. Anorexia, like other eating disorders, are rarely about food itself. Rigid thinking and behaviours (i.e. restricted intake, purging after eating, excessive exercising) that develop are often attempts to cope with emotional difficulties. All genders can be affected by this disorder and seeking proper support is key to recovery.
• Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder that typically involves cycles of intake restriction, binge eating, and purging. Fears around weight gain, a sense of loss of control during binges, and preoccupation with weight and shape are common. Bulimia, like other eating disorders, are rarely about food itself. Behaviours and mindsets that develop are often attempts to cope with emotional difficulties. All genders can be affected by this disorder but females are more likely to have bulimia. Seeking supports to develop healthier coping skills are the key to recovery.