Many people misunderstand eating disorders as a lifestyle choice or a phase, but it is not the truth. In fact, having an eating disorder is a severe mental disorder. It can affect you socially, psychologically, and physically, and can lead to serious consequences. Eating disorders are abnormal and disturbed eating habits, which generally stem from food obsession, body weight issues; this can even lead to serious risks.

There are several types of eating disorders and all have a diversity of symptoms. These types of disorders are generally reported in young women and adolescents.

Eating disorders might happen due to several circumstances like brain biology, genetics, cultural ideals or preferences, and personality traits. These eating disorders can lead to serious physical and psychological issues if left neglected.

1. Anorexia nervosa
This is one of the most well-known eating disorders to be reported during one’s adolescent years. It mostly tends to affect women rather than men. This disorder has some specific symptoms which can damage your body and its functions.

Symptoms can include the following:

• People who have this order are comparatively underweight to people of the same height and age.
• After having this disorder, one might be frightened of gaining weight and also have tenacious behavior to avoid foods and gaining weight, which is not desirable in this disorder.

2. Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is also a serious kind of eating disorder generally reported during one’s adolescent years. This condition, however, tends to affect men more than women. The symptoms are similar to anorexia nervosa.

Symptoms can include the following:

• Frequent eating, which is also known as binge-eating, with a lack of control.
• The affected people binge eats and then purges the food out in order to avoid gaining weight.

3. Binge-eating disorder
This disorder was recognized as a serious disorder very recently and is currently believed to be the most common type of eating disorder. It generally begins in young adulthood and also can occur during late adulthood.

Symptoms of binge-eating disorder can include the following:

• People eat an excessive quantity of food frequently and do not have any control over it.
• Psychological issues such as shame, guilt, and disgust about your binge-eating habit

4. Pica
Pica is another well-known and consequential eating disorder in which you majorly crave non-food material. It is generally reported in pregnant women and infants. There are several symptoms of this specific disorder such as nutritional deficiencies and serious infections.

There are also two other types of eating disorders such as rumination disorder and ARFID, avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder. Both of them also have numerous side effects.

As a result, eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice but rather a consequential issue which can lead to many other life-hindering issues. One can also see a therapist as a supportive treatment when treating this disorder.