People who are bulimic engage in episodes of binge eating, or eating an extremely large amount of food (significantly more than the average person would be able to consume in a similar setting), and then follow the binge eating with behaviors to eliminate the food or calories consumed. During the episode of eating, the person typically feels out of control. The elimination, or compensatory behavior, is believed to be the only way to regain control. Methods of compensation include self induced vomiting, laxative abuse, over exercise, restricting intake, or other methods of preventing/counteracting weight gain. Mood swings, anger, irritability, difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and social isolation often accompany these episodes.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common of eating disorders in the United States, though this disorder was only given it’s own classification/diagnosis in the most recent DSM published in 2013. Previously these behaviors were considered under the category of Eating Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified which made it difficult for many people to seek the treatment they needed. Binge Eating Disorder is when a person recurrently eats an abnormally large amount of food within a short period of time, past the point of physical fullness, and feels a loss of control over their behavior during this time. A person with Binge Eating Disorder does not engage in compensatory behaviors, but does feel a similar sense of guilt, shame, or embarrassment about the binge episode. During the binge episode, the person eats more rapidly than normal, often eating alone or in secret out of embarrassment about their consumption, and may lose track of time, amount of food, or other obligations when engaging in a binge. Many people misunderstand binge eating disorder and believe that all people who are obese fit into this category. This is incorrect, and though many people with binge eating disorder are overweight or obese, it is possible to have this disorder and be in a normal weight range. Additionally, many people who are obese do not have binge eating disorder.

Compulsive eaters deprive themselves of a full and fulfilling life.

“…compulsive eating is basically a refusal to be fully alive. No matter what we weigh, those of us who are compulsive eaters have anorexia of the soul. We refuse to take in what sustains us. We live lives of deprivation. And when we can’t stand it any longer, we binge. The way we are able to accomplish all of this is by the simple act of bolting — of leaving ourselves — hundreds of times a day.” ― Geneen Roth, Women, Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything

A person with Orthorexia likely started their illness with the best intentions and a focus on health. This disorder is characterized by an extreme and obsessive need to eat “clean” or “healthy” foods and an intense fear of food that is not “healthy.” This obsession with clean eating consumes the person’s mind and interferes with daily functioning. There is often trouble concentrating in school, reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities, withdrawal from social activity, and a preoccupation with food that takes over every free moment. Orthorexia has many similarities to anorexia, however, there is less concern about body image and weight, and more obsession about food quality and content (macro-nutrients). A person with orthorexia may acknowledge their weight loss and even dislike their body at a very low weight, but the fear about eating something “unhealthy” prevents them from maintaining a balanced diet. Traits similar to what is seen in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are present and rituals around eating commonly develop. This obsession leads to malnutrition and the person is at risk of serious health consequences due to this.

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder