Becoming Aware of What an Eating Disorder Is

To many people, an eating disorder is starving yourself. It's more than that. It's time to become aware of what an eating disorder truly is.

Having an eating disorder is more than just a physical thing, its an emotional thing. People with eating disorders struggle with extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors that all have to do with food and weight. It can lead to a life-threatening consequence.

There are four different types of eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss; this disorder can be life-threatening. Bulimia Nervosa can be defined by a cycle of bingeing, followed by self-driven compensatory behaviors such as vomiting; it can also be life-threatening. Binge-Eating Disorder is recurrent binge eating with no compensatory behaviors to follow. Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is a combination of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

People who struggle with an eating disorder can seek recovery through treatment. Early detection is crucial to recovery as it may enhance recovery. Recovery is possible. However, it is possible with continued aftercare. Recovery usually takes a few years, and sometimes relapse is possible.