What Are Eating Disorders?

What are eating disorders? People may be confused as to what they are and what they are not. An eating disorder is not just a problem with food. Eating disorders are serious medical problems often stemming from psychological problems. What's more, an eating disorder can lead to more serious medical conditions, including death.

 

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are serious medical problems. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are all types of eating disorders.
 
Eating disorders frequently develop during adolescence or early adulthood, but can occur during childhood or later in adulthood. Females are more likely than males to develop an eating disorder.
 
Only an estimated 5 percent to 15 percent of people with anorexia or bulimia, and an estimated 35 percent of those with binge-eating disorder, are male.
 
Eating disorders are more than just a problem with food. Food is used to feel in control of other feelings that may seem overwhelming. For example, starving themselves is a way for people with anorexia to feel more in control of their lives and to ease tension, anger, and anxiety. Purging and other behaviors to prevent weight gain are ways for people with bulimia to feel more in control of their lives and to ease stress and anxiety.
 

What Are the Causes of Eating Disorders?

While there is no single known cause of eating disorders, several things may contribute to their development:
 
  • Culture
  • Personal characteristics
  • Other emotional disorders
  • Stressful events or life changes
  • Biology
  • Families.

 

(What Are Eating Disorders? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD