Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder where individuals restrict food intake, leading to extreme weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight. It often involves a distorted body image and can cause severe health complications if untreated.

Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. People with bulimia often struggle with shame and secrecy around their eating behaviors.

Binge eating disorder is characterized by regularly eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period while feeling a loss of control. Unlike bulimia, it does not typically involve purging behaviors, but it can lead to serious physical and emotional health challenges.

Orthorexia refers to an unhealthy obsession with eating only “pure” or “clean” foods. While not officially recognized as a clinical diagnosis, it can significantly disrupt daily life and lead to malnutrition.

ARFID is an eating disorder where individuals limit the types or amounts of food they eat, not due to body image concerns but often from fear of choking, sensory sensitivities, or lack of interest in food. This can cause nutritional deficiencies and interfere with growth or overall health.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance. In the context of eating disorders, it often fuels unhealthy behaviors related to food and weight.

Purging is the act of trying to eliminate calories from the body through methods like vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of medications. It is a dangerous behavior that can cause long-term health damage, including electrolyte imbalances and heart complications.

Restrictive eating means severely limiting food intake, often tied to weight loss goals or fear of certain foods. Over time, this pattern can cause malnutrition, fatigue, and serious medical risks.

Co-occurring disorders describe when an eating disorder exists alongside another mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Treating both conditions together is essential for lasting recovery.

Residential treatment is a structured, live-in program where individuals receive 24/7 care for eating disorders. It combines medical supervision, therapy, and nutritional support in a safe and supportive environment.