Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a group of serious and often chronic illnesses characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits, which can have serious consequences for a person's physical and mental health. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, characterized by restricted food intake leading to significantly low body weight; bulimia nervosa, involving episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise; and binge-eating disorder, marked by recurrent binge eating without compensatory behaviors but with feelings of distress, guilt, and embarrassment.

From a medical perspective, these disorders are multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. People with eating disorders may suffer from a range of medical complications that can affect every major organ system in the body, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and neurological systems. Treatment is individualized and often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychological therapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medication. Early intervention is crucial as these disorders can be chronic and can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality.