Eating Disorders
Whole-Person Education for Healthier Minds & Healthier Bodies
The Most Common Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious medical and mental health conditions—not lifestyle choices or a lack of willpower. They can affect people of any age, gender, body size, race, or background. Early recognition and treatment greatly improve recovery.
Anorexia Nervosa
Restriction of food intake leading to significantly low body weight.
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming 'fat.'
Distorted body image or difficulty recognizing the seriousness of low weight.
May include excessive exercise or restrictive eating behaviors.
Bulimia Nervosa
Repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors.
Compensatory behaviors may include self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Weight may remain normal, making the disorder difficult to recognize.
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)
Recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food.
Feeling out of control during eating episodes.
No regular purging behaviors after binges.
Often associated with guilt, shame, or emotional distress.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Avoidance or restriction of food not related to body image.
May be related to food texture, taste, fear of choking, or low appetite.
Can result in nutritional deficiencies and poor growth in children.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Clinically significant eating disorder symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for another diagnosis.
Can still cause serious medical and emotional complications.
Common Warning Signs
Skipping meals or restrictive eating
Preoccupation with weight, calories, or body shape
Frequent dieting
Eating in secret or hiding food
Vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise
Rapid weight loss or fluctuations
Withdrawal from family meals or social activities
Health Risks
Malnutrition and dehydration
Heart rhythm problems
Hormonal changes and menstrual irregularities
Electrolyte abnormalities
Bone loss (osteoporosis)
Depression, anxiety, and increased suicide risk
Treatment
Medical evaluation and monitoring
Psychiatric evaluation when appropriate
Nutrition counseling
Individual, family, or group therapy
Medication for co-occurring conditions when indicated
Team-based care involving medical and mental health professionals
When to Seek Help
Food, weight, or body image begins controlling daily life.
Rapid weight changes or signs of malnutrition develop.
Purging, binge eating, or severe restriction occurs.
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide require immediate emergency evaluation.
SHINE Reminder
Recovery is possible. Eating disorders are treatable illnesses, and seeking help early can improve both physical and emotional health. You are worthy of compassionate, evidence-based care.
Ready to Find Relief?
Book an appointment with SHINE Primary & Psych Care
Strength • Healing • Inspire • Navigate • Empower
Compassionate Primary Care • Mental Health • Whole-Person Wellness
This handout is for educational general awareness purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
