eating disorders are characterised by persistent disturbances in eating behaviours and maladaptive thoughts related to body image and weight. These disturbances result in significant impairment in physical health, psychological functioning, and social or occupational life.
According to diagnostic systems such as the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, eating disorders involve abnormalities in food intake, weight regulation, and body perception, often accompanied by emotional distress and medical complications.

Types of Eating Disorders

1. Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa involves extreme restriction of food intake due to an intense fear of
gaining weight. Individuals often perceive themselves as overweight even when they are
dangerously underweight.

Common Signs and Symptoms

•  Severe restriction of food intake
•  Significant weight loss
•  Intense fear of gaining weight
•  Distorted body image
•  Excessive exercise
•  Skipping meals or eating very small portions
•  Hair thinning, fatigue, and dizziness
•  Absence or irregularity of menstrual cycles Clinical Features
•  Significantly low body weight relative to age and height
•  Persistent restriction of energy intake
•  Disturbance in body image
•  Intense fear of weight gain

2. Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by cycles of binge eating followed by behaviours aimed at
preventing weight gain, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.

Common Signs and Symptoms

•  Recurrent episodes of overeating
•  Feeling out of control during binges
•  Self-induced vomiting
•  Misuse of laxatives or diuretics
•  Excessive exercise or fasting
•  Feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment
•  Fluctuations in weight
•  Sore throat and dental problems

Clinical Features

•  Recurrent binge-eating episodes
•  Compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain
•  Self-evaluation heavily influenced by body shape and weight

3. Binge-Eating Disorder

Binge-Eating Disorder involves consuming large quantities of food in a short period while
feeling unable to stop, without engaging in purging behaviours.

Common Signs and Symptoms

•  Eating unusually large amounts of food rapidly
•  Eating even when not hungry
•  Eating alone due to embarrassment
•  Feeling guilty, distressed, or ashamed afterward
•  Frequent dieting without success
•  Weight gain or obesity

Clinical Features

•  Recurrent binge-eating episodes
•  Marked distress regarding binge eating
•  Absence of regular compensatory behaviours

When to Seek Professional Help
Consult a mental health professional if:

•  There is an unhealthy preoccupation with weight, food, or body image.
•  Eating habits interfere with daily functioning.
•  Rapid weight loss or gain is observed.
•  Episodes of binge eating or purging occur.
•  There are physical symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or fatigue.
•  Emotional distress related to eating or appearance is persistent.

Immediate medical attention is required if severe weakness, fainting, or medical
complications arise