About Eating Disorders

Eating disorders impact how individuals relate to food and their own bodies, often leading to unhealthy eating patterns, distorted body image, and emotional distress. These conditions can manifest as severe restriction, binge eating, or compensatory behaviors like purging, and they often stem from a complex interplay of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Eating disorders present differently for each person, and addressing these variations is key to effective treatment. Common difficulties include an intense preoccupation with weight or shape, unhealthy eating behaviors, and significant emotional and physical challenges related to food.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a common eating disorder where a person frequently eats large amounts of food in a short period, often feeling out of control during these episodes. Unlike other eating disorders, people with BED don’t typically try to “undo” the binge by vomiting, fasting, or over-exercising. During a binge, individuals may eat quickly, even when they’re not hungry, and feel uncomfortably full. These episodes can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or distress, but they’re not just about food—emotional factors like stress, sadness, or boredom often play a role. BED is not about a lack of willpower; it’s a serious mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or body size. The good news is that with support and treatment, such as therapy or counselling, recovery is possible.

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder where a person has an intense fear of gaining weight and works very hard to keep their weight low, even if it’s already below what is healthy. This often involves eating very little, avoiding certain foods, or over-exercising. People with anorexia may see themselves as overweight, even when they are very thin, and may focus a lot on their body size, shape, or weight. They might also develop strict rules about eating, like counting calories or only eating specific foods. Anorexia isn’t just about food or weight—it’s often linked to deeper emotional struggles, like a need for control or coping with stress or low self-esteem. It’s a serious condition that can affect physical health, leading to problems like weakness, hair loss, or even damage to the heart and other organs. With the right support, including therapy and medical care, recovery is possible. Anorexia is not a choice, but treatment can help people heal and regain a healthier relationship with food and their body.

Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder where a person goes through cycles of binge eating—eating a lot of food in a short time—and then tries to “undo” it by purging. Purging can include vomiting, using laxatives, fasting, or exercising too much to get rid of the calories. During a binge, people may feel out of control and eat even when they’re not hungry, often very quickly. Afterward, they might feel guilty, ashamed, or worried about gaining weight, which leads to purging. Bulimia isn’t just about food or weight—it’s often tied to emotional struggles like stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem. While people with bulimia may look like they’re at a “normal” weight, the disorder can still cause serious health problems, such as damage to the stomach, throat, teeth, or heart. With support from therapy and medical care, recovery is possible. Bulimia is not a choice, but treatment can help people break the cycle and build a healthier relationship with food and themselves.