UNDERSTANDING
EATING DISORDERS
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions involving unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and weight. They can affect people of any age, gender, or background and may become life-threatening if left untreated.
Symptoms and Effects
Symptoms vary by disorder but may include restrictive eating, binge eating, purging behaviors, excessive exercise, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. Eating disorders can cause serious physical complications such as heart problems, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, and emotional distress.
Causes and Risk Factors
Eating disorders develop from a combination of biological, psychological, and social risk factors. These include genetic vulnerability, brain chemistry differences, and hormonal changes; psychological traits such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, or a need for control; and social influences like diet culture, weight stigma, media pressure, and appearance-focused environments. Additional risks include frequent dieting, participation in weight- or appearance-focused sports, trauma, major life transitions, and early praise for weight loss. Eating disorders can affect people of any gender, age, or body size.
Getting Help
Treatment typically includes medical monitoring, therapy, nutritional counseling, and mental health support. Early intervention improves recovery and reduces long-term health risks.
Seeking Medical Advice
See a healthcare provider if eating behaviors negatively affect physical or mental health. Immediate care is necessary for severe symptoms or medical complications.