There are many misconceptions about eating disorders. To clear up some confusion, here are the definitions of a few common eating disorder terms:
Those who have an unhealthy relationship with food and their own bodies commonly exhibit disordered eating. Examples of disordered eating include alternating between bingeing, restricting "forbidden" foods, feeling guilty after eating, ignoring hunger signals, skipping meals, and eating only certain foods. Disordered eaters fear gaining weight and are preoccupied with weight and food. It is estimated that 10 percent of men, 60 percent of adult women and 80 percent of teenage females could be categorized as disordered eaters.
Body Dysmorphia disorder (BDD) occurs when individuals are constantly preoccupied with their appearance. Individuals with BDD obsessively focus on a disliked body feature, and their obsession interferes with daily life. It's true that almost everyone has some body feature they would like to modify, but an individual with BDD will go to great lengths to modify or cover the body site. Individuals with BDD may demonstrate extreme avoidance behaviors, including isolation and self harm. Muscle dysmorphia, also known as "bigorexia" or "reverse anorexia," is a disorder in which individuals (typically bodybuilders) think they are physically inadequate. Bigorexics think they are too small, no matter how big they are, and fear they will lose control over their bodies if they skip a workout. Individuals with this disorder are obsessed with their bodies and exercise to the point that it affects their daily lives.
Compulsive overeating is characterized by repeated episodes of overeating and an obsession with food and weight. Overeating is described as eating beyond satiety, eating when not hungry, and eating as a result of emotional triggers. Some traits are compulsive eating include stuffing down feelings with bingeing, isolation, and pushing other away. Compulsive overeating usually happens in secret and is accompanied by guilt or remorse. Dieting is often a component of compulsive overeating, which becomes an endless cycle of dieting and overeating.
Individuals with anorexia characteristically refuse to maintain a normal body weight. They possess an intense fear of weight gain or being "fat." They often feel "fat" or overweight despite their low weight. Some women experience loss of menstrual cycle. Warning signs include dramatic weight loss, preoccupation with weight and dieting, and denial of hunger.
This disorder is characterized by consumption of large quantities of food in short periods of time. These binges are usually done in secret and without regard to hunger or fullness. The binge is followed by some sort of purging to compensate for the large number of calories taken in. This purge may take the form of self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting and/or obsessive exercise. Weight often remains in the normal range. These behaviors often result in withdrawal from friends and social activities.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by frequent episodes of uncontrolled overeating without regard to hunger or fullness. Binge eating is often followed by feelings of guilt, shame and disgust. Individuals who struggle with BED can be normal or heavier than average weight. Binge eating is different than bulimia nervosa in that there is no purging compensation, such as vomiting, laxative abuse or excessive exercise.
