Past the Restriction Point: 5 of the Most Common Eating Disorder Types (And Their Signs)

person eating single piece of lettuce on plate

Compared to any mental illness, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate. In fact, every 62 minutes, one person dies as a result of an eating disorder. In the US, 30 million people of all genders and ages suffer from an eating disorder.   

Eating disorders are characterized by excessive weight loss and self-starvation. Most people who suffer from eating disorders are usually at a restriction point.   

As such, they have an intense fear of becoming fat or gaining weight. 

Read on and learn the 5 most common eating disorder types and signs to watch out for.

1. Bulimia Nervosa

As a well-known eating disorder, it develops during early adulthood and adolescence. Also, it is more common among men than women. People suffering from bulimia nervosa eat large amounts of food in a short period.   

They continue overeating until they become painfully full. Simply put, they have no control over how much they eat.  

Signs of bulimia nervosa include:  

  • Commonly uses the bathroom after eating  
  • Lack of self-control when eating  
  • A tendency to eat in secret  
  • Smell of vomit  

What you need to know is that severe bulimia nervosa can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes. This can cause a heart attack or stroke. 

2. Anorexia Nervosa

This is another well-known eating disorder. Unlike bulimia nervosa, this eating disorder affects women more than men. For those with anorexia nervosa, they tend to view themselves as overweight. 

This is true even when they are dangerously underweight.  

As such, they track their weight and avoid eating certain types of foods. There are several signs of anorexia nervosa. They include:  

  • Complaining of abdominal pain, constipation or excess energy  
  • Have food rituals such as excessive chewing  
  • Constantly makes comments about feeling overweight or fat  
  • One is preoccupied with calories, food, and weight  
  • Always dresses in more clothing to stay warm   

People suffering from anorexia nervosa have difficulty eating in public. Also, they have a strong desire to limit consumption of certain foods. 

3. Orthorexia

This refers to an eating disorder where a person is obsessed with healthful eating, for instance, low carb foods. Simply put, people with orthorexia are fixated on healthy eating. This can damage one’s well-being.   

There are several signs to watch out for:  

  • Cutting out the major food groups  
  • Constantly checking the nutritional labels and ingredients list  
  • Displays high levels of stress when healthy foods are not available  
  • Follows healthy lifestyle blogs on social media   

What you need to know is that orthorexia can lead to malnutrition. This has a negative effect on one’s health. 

Learn how to end emotional eating and train your brain to crave for healthy foods in the right portions.

4. Binge Eating Disorder

This is a severe and life-threatening disordered eating that is also treatable. It’s characterized by the consumption of large quantities of food to the point of discomfort. As one of the newest types of eating disorders, most people experience guilt later. 

Signs of binge eating disorder include:  

  • Binge eating in short periods of time  
  • Has fear of eating in public  
  • Hoards foods in strange locations  
  • Displays extreme concern with body shape and weight  
  • Often diets  

What you need to know is that binge eating disorder carries health risks such as clinical obesity. 

5. Pica Disorder

As one of the eating disorders, people with pica crave for non-food substances. They include chalk, paper, ice, soil, pebbles, cornstarch and wool among others. This condition is common among children, adolescents and adults.

It is also frequent among pregnant women.  At restriction point, people with pica are at risk of gut injuries, and poisoning. A sign of pica disorder is eating substances that are not food. 

Overcoming the Restriction Point

When at restriction point, the only way to avoid eating disorders is by minimizing family issues and social pressures. One should also reduce individual factors such as perfectionism and low self-esteem. If the problem persists, always consult a doctor. 

Looking for more information on nutrition and healthy eating? Bookmark our website’s Nutrition section and stay up to date.