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INTRODUCTION
• Eating disorders are medical conditions characterized by
frequent and problematic eating behaviors as well as distressing
thoughts and emotions about food.
• Behaviors commonly associated with eating disorders include
restrictive eating or avoidance of certain foods, binge eating,
purging by vomiting or laxative misuse, and compulsive exercise.
• Eating disorders are serious conditions that can reduce overall
quality of life. Also, if left untreated, the physical and mental side
effects of eating disorders can last for decades, or even a lifetime.
• Types of eating disorders include: anorexia nervosa (anorexia),
bulimia nervosa (bulimia), binge-eating disorder, avoidant/
restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), pica, rumination
disorder, and other specified feeding and eating disorders. This
guide will focus on three of the most common: anorexia, bulimia,
and binge-eating disorder.
• Current estimates show eating disorders will affect between 2
to 3 out of every 100 people in the United States at some point
during their lifetime (roughly 6 to 10 million people). Many other
people may have features or symptoms of an eating disorder but
not have an official diagnosis.
• Eating disorders are more common in women, and often appear
in teenage years and early adulthood. However, eating disorders
can affect any person at any time, regardless of age, gender, race,
ethnicity, weight, size, or body shape.
• Recovery from eating disorders is a gradual process unique to
each person. When identified and treated, patients are able to
change their relationship with food, have improved health, and
enjoy a good quality of life.
• This guide will help patients and their families understand how
eating disorders are diagnosed, the treatment options that are
available, and what can be done to achieve the best possible
outcomes.
