Eating disorders involve more than food, despite their name. It’s a severe mental health condition requiring expert medical and psychological intervention to reverse. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) describes these disorders.
Twenty million American women and ten million American men suffer from an eating disorder or had one at some point in their lives. In this article, we’ll be looking at the symptoms of 6 of the most common eating disorders.
What Are Eating Disorders?
A wide range of psychological conditions can lead to unhealthy eating habits. The obsession might start with food, body shape, or body weight. An eating disorder can severely affect health and, if left untreated, may even lead to death. There are many symptoms associated with eating disorders. The majority, however, involve the severe restriction of food, eating binges, or excessive exercise or vomiting.
Despite the fact that eating disorders can affect anyone at any age, adolescents and young women are the most likely to be affected. Up to 13% of youth may develop an eating disorder by the time they are 20. [1]