Eating Disorders

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect eating behaviors, thoughts about food, body image, emotions, and overall health. They are not lifestyle choices or temporary phases. Many people with eating disorders experience:

• Significant emotional distress
• Shame or guilt related to eating
• Anxiety about food or body image
• Fear of weight gain
• A need for control

Eating disorders can affect people of any age, gender, body size, or background. Some people lose weight, some gain weight, and others remain within a typical weight range despite experiencing significant symptoms.

Because eating disorders can affect both physical and mental health, early recognition and professional evaluation are important.

What are common types of eating disorders?

Eating disorders can present in different ways. Some people primarily restrict food intake, while others experience binge eating, purging behaviors, or a combination of symptoms.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa often involves severe food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, and behaviors that may lead to significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa typically involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of consuming unusually large amounts of food accompanied by feelings of loss of control. Unlike bulimia, regular purging behaviors are not present.

What are common eating disorder symptoms?

Common symptoms may include:

• Skipping meals
• Strict food rules
• Fear of weight gain
• Binge eating
• Purging behaviors
• Excessive exercise
• Body checking behaviors
• Avoiding meals with others
• Guilt after eating
• Mood changes
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Digestive concerns

Any eating pattern that causes emotional distress, affects physical health, or interferes with daily life deserves professional attention.

How are eating disorders managed?

At 180 Mental Health and Wellness, care begins with a comprehensive mental health evaluation to better understand your symptoms, medical history, emotional well-being, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.

Medication management may be appropriate for individuals experiencing conditions that commonly occur alongside eating disorders, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive thoughts
• Mood disorders
• Sleep disturbances

The team carefully evaluates your symptoms, discusses treatment options, and monitors your response to medication through regular follow-up appointments. When appropriate, care may be coordinated with other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment to support your overall well-being.

Call 180 Mental Health and Wellness or schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment online today to learn more.