Everyone overindulges every once in a while, but binge eating is different. These episodes are an extreme form of overeating, involving large amounts of food consumed in relatively short periods of time.

A binge eating episode can leave you feeling uncomfortable, but if this behavior starts recurring, it can lead to more concerning issues.

Eating disorders and substance use disorders frequently occur together. The conditions operate through similar genetic, biological, and environmental mechanisms, and often work in complex ways to maintain one another. 

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can manifest in any number of ways, causing a range of physical, behavioral, and emotional consequences.

Still, some of the most common eating disorders have a number of more-predictable symptoms. And learning to spot them can be crucial if you think you or a loved one may have one of these conditions.

An eating disorder isn’t just a person “choosing” to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors. It is a serious mental health condition which can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Eating disorders are dangerous mental health conditions that can lead to a number of physical and emotional complications if left untreated. But determining when it’s time to seek treatment can be tricky.

The signs of an eating disorder can vary widely, depending on the type of eating disorder and the specific physiology, medical history, and present circumstances of the person.

Still, across all those factors, there are some signs that are more common than others.

“Diet culture” has made an increasing mark on society over the years. While sometimes cloaked in the language of “wellness,” this system of beliefs and social expectations, in fact, revolves around the idea that there exists an “ideal” body type. And rather than achieving a healthier lifestyle at any shape or size, the goal of diet culture […]

The specifics of how an eating disorder affects a person is based on any number of individual factors, including the types of eating disorders they’re struggling with, their medical history, and any mental health concerns, among others.

Eating disorder hotlines can offer a great extension of help for people struggling with these mental health conditions, or those who are looking for eating disorder treatment centers where they can find further help.

Negative body image and eating disorders are closely related, with negative body image being one of the most well-understood precursors to the development of an eating disorder.

Food addiction is an issue we’re only beginning to understand and thoroughly research, but there are a number of resources that can help with this condition and other associated disorders.

Watching a friend, family member, or loved one struggle with an eating disorder can be incredibly difficult. Though you want to help, you may be unsure how to help someone with an eating disorder.

Eating disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) often coexist.

Researchers say up to 50% of people with diagnosed eating disorders use illicit drugs or alcohol, while 35% of people who are dependent on alcohol or drugs have an eating disorder. This represents rates 5 times and 11 times greater than what’s seen in the general population, respectively. [1]

Over the years, certain stereotypes have developed around eating disorders, including the idea that they primarily affect white women and girls. Of course, this isn’t actually the case. Disordered eating behaviors and the negative self-image and poor self-esteem that often drives them impact people of all genders, races, and ages.

As science, medicine, and culture continue to evolve, more attention has been paid to the concept of addiction and the biological and psychological mechanisms that lead to these types of unhelpful, compulsive behaviors.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, you’ll likely want to enroll in a treatment program as quickly as possible. And while it’s important to get help in a timely manner, some time should be taken to consider the type of treatment facility you choose.

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods in biological women. 

Certain scenarios have been known to naturally bring about this condition, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, certain hormonal contraceptives, and menopause. But sometimes, amenorrhea is a sign of a deeper problem.

Eating disorders affect a small percentage of the overall population, but that still translates to millions of people who are impacted by these conditions. 

And research suggests that many more people silently struggle with an eating disorder without ever being officially diagnosed.

Eating disorder treatment is often covered by health insurance, but for some, the cost of treatment for an eating disorder is just too high.

Some patients may still get copayment or deductible bills, and they must pay monthly premiums to keep their plans intact. Others don’t have health insurance at all.

Negative body image and eating disorders are closely related, with negative body image being one of the most well-understood precursors to the development of an eating disorder.

Eating disorders touch people of all ages, sizes, and orientations. But sadly, some groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, tend to be disproportionately affected by these conditions. 

As a whole, LGBTQ+ people struggle with eating disorders more frequently than those in the hetero-normative community. And many people identifying as LGBTQ+ face multiple treatment barriers.

Eating disorder treatment is covered by a large number of insurance policies. But most require families and their doctors to prove that care is needed; sometimes, care teams and insurance administrators disagree about how treatment should work.

A variety of overlapping factors often cause eating disorders. 

And while biological influences account for many of the underlying causes of these conditions, exposure to media can impact body dissatisfaction, increasing the rates of disordered eating and playing a role in the development of an eating disorder. [1]

Pro-anorexia websites and similar content represent a significant source of potential harm to people struggling with anorexia nervosa (AN) or those at risk of developing it. 

These sources spread dangerous misinformation and can encourage unhealthy ways of viewing one’s own body and the bodies of others.

It is possible for someone who presents as normal weight, overweight, or in a larger body to still struggle with anorexia nervosa (AN). This is called atypical anorexia nervosa, and a person can still experience most of the symptoms typically associated with AN.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious mental health condition that can profoundly change a person’s health over time.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) can be a dangerous or even deadly condition. But there are ways to help someone find the help they need to recover from the disorder.

The numbers around men with anorexia and eating disorders may be misleading. For example, a frequently quoted statistic is that 10% of anorexia cases are male, but even that statistic may be inaccurate, with some studies indicating the ratio may be higher.

At present, there is no single medication for anorexia that can replace the benefits therapies can provide. However, some medications can address a few of the mental health symptoms many people with anorexia develop.

Anorexia and genetics have a connection, although researchers aren’t exactly sure in what way.  If you have people in your immediate family who suffer from anorexia or other eating disorders, be mindful of that fact and consider adopting healthy habits to reduce your risk of developing an eating disorder yourself.