6 Common Types of Eating Disorders and Their Symptoms

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Despite what the name suggests, their root cause is deeper than a simple food-related concern. They stem from emotional, psychological, genetic and societal conditions. If left untreated, eating disorders can lead to severe physical complications, affecting overall health, everyday life, relationships and self-esteem. 

Understanding the different types of eating disorders and symptoms is essential for recognising when professional help is needed. In this article, we will explore the six main types of eating disorders, their causes, warning signs, and potential health risks.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that cause unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and eating behaviours. They can involve extreme food restriction, binge eating, purging, or compulsive exercise. They are often linked to trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, and societal pressure.

The exact cause of eating disorders is complex and varies from person to person. However, common risk factors include:

• Genetics – Family history of eating disorders or mental health conditions.
• Psychological Factors – Anxiety, depression, OCD, or trauma.
• Societal Pressure – Diet culture and unrealistic beauty standards.
• Neurobiological Factors – Imbalances in the brain chemicals responsible for mood and hunger cues. 
• Personal Experiences – Bullying, body shaming, or pressure from simply observing certain figures online (e.g., athletes, dancers, models).

Now, let’s explore the six most common types of eating disorders and their symptoms.

1. Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is one of the most widely-known types of eating disorders, characterised by intense food restriction, an extreme fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight. 

However, While the disorder often involves severe weight loss, not everyone with anorexia is visibly underweight. Anorexia can also be a means to gain a sense of control or cope with overwhelming emotions. Physical consequences include malnutrition, heart complications, loss of menstrual periods in women, weakened bones, and long-term organ damage.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa:

• Severe calorie restriction, leading to extreme weight loss.
• Fear of gaining weight, even when underweight.
• Obsessive calorie counting and food avoidance.
• Excessive exercise despite physical exhaustion.
• Dizziness, fainting, and fatigue due to malnutrition.
• Brittle nails, dry skin, and hair loss.
• Amenorrhoea (loss of menstrual cycle in females).
• Feeling cold all the time due to reduced body fat.

Complications of Anorexia:

If left untreated, anorexia can lead to severe malnutrition, weakened bones, organ failure, heart complications, and even death. It has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder.

2. Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or misuse of laxatives or diuretics. These cycles are often driven by feelings of guilt, shame, or a loss of control over eating.

Unlike anorexia nervosa, individuals with bulimia typically maintain a weight within or above the normal range, making the disorder less visibly apparent. Physical signs can include chronic sore throat, swollen salivary glands, acid reflux, gastrointestinal problems, and dental erosion due to frequent vomiting.

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa:

• Frequent binge eating episodes, often in secret.
• Loss of control over eating, followed by feelings of guilt.
• Purging behaviours, such as vomiting, laxative abuse, or fasting.
• Swollen cheeks and jawline from repeated vomiting.
• Acid reflux, tooth enamel erosion, and sore throat.
• Frequent weight fluctuations due to binge-purge cycles.
• Dehydration and digestive issues.

Complications of Bulimia:

Bulimia can cause electrolyte imbalances, severe dehydration, acid reflux, digestive issues, and long-term heart problems.

3. Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder and is characterised by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, often to the point of discomfort. 

Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge-eating episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviours like purging or excessive exercise. Individuals with BED may feel a lack of control during these episodes, often eating rapidly or secretly, followed by intense guilt, shame, and distress. 

While BED can lead to weight gain and associated health issues, it can affect individuals of any weight or body size.

Symptoms of Binge-Eating Disorder:

• Eating large quantities of food in a short time.
• Feeling a loss of control over eating.
• Eating even when not physically hungry.
• Eating rapidly and in secret.
• Feeling guilt, shame, or distress after bingeing.
• Weight gain and obesity-related health issues.

Complications of BED:

BED increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and emotional distress.

4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) occurs when individuals actively avoid food because they have little interest in eating, experience strong sensory sensitivities to textures, tastes, or smells, or fear negative experiences like choking or vomiting.

Unlike anorexia nervosa, ARFID is not linked to a fear of weight gain or body image issues. While it is more common in children, it can persist into adulthood and significantly impact physical health, emotional well-being, and social functioning. 

Individuals with ARFID may struggle with poor nutrition, weight loss, dependence on supplements, and difficulty eating in social settings.

Symptoms of ARFID:

• Avoidance of specific foods due to texture, taste, or smell.
• Extreme pickiness with food.
• Significant weight loss or nutritional deficiencies.
• Lack of appetite or disinterest in food.
• Difficulty eating in social settings.

Complications of ARFID:

ARFID can cause severe malnutrition, stunted growth, and developmental delays.

5. Orthorexia

Orthorexia is an eating disorder marked by an obsessive focus on eating foods considered “pure,” “clean,” or “healthy.” Individuals with orthorexia often create rigid dietary rules and experience intense anxiety or guilt when they break them. 

Unlike anorexia nervosa, which centres on body weight and shape, orthorexia focuses on food quality rather than quantity. However, the fixation can still result in severe malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and unintended weight loss. 

Social isolation, strained relationships, and a diminished quality of life are common as the person increasingly avoids foods they perceive as “unhealthy” or “impure.”

Symptoms of Orthorexia:

• Compulsive focus on healthy eating.
• Eliminating entire food groups (e.g., sugar, carbs, dairy).
• Anxiety when “safe” foods are unavailable.
• Extreme guilt or distress after eating “unhealthy” foods.
• Nutritional deficiencies due to restrictive eating.

Complications of Orthorexia:

Orthorexia can lead to malnutrition, social isolation, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours.

6. Pica

Pica is a rare but serious eating disorder where individuals compulsively crave and consume non-food substances like dirt, chalk, soap, paper, clay, hair, or ice. These cravings typically last for at least a month and are inappropriate for the individual's developmental level. 

Pica is more common in children, pregnant individuals, and people with developmental disorders or intellectual disabilities. The disorder can lead to serious health risks, including poisoning, infections, intestinal blockages, and dental injuries. 

The exact causes of pica are unclear, but it is often linked to nutritional deficiencies, stress, or underlying mental health conditions.

Symptoms of Pica:

• Persistent cravings for non-food items.
• Potential for poisoning, infections, and digestive blockages.
• Iron or zinc deficiencies.

Complications of Pica:

Pica can result in serious health risks, including intestinal damage, heavy metal poisoning, and infections.

Eating disorders are complex but treatable. By recognising the signs early and seeking professional support, recovery is possible. If you or a loved one needs help, take the first step today.

When to Seek Help for an Eating Disorder

If you or someone you know is experiencing eating disorder symptoms, it is important to seek professional support. Early intervention improves recovery outcomes and prevents long-term health complications.

Getting Support with Amaha

At Amaha, we provide expert mental health support for individuals struggling with eating disorders. Our therapists and mental health professionals offer personalised treatment plans to help you regain a healthy relationship with food and your body.

Remember, you're not alone—support is here for you. Reach out to Amaha today; we're here to help you every step of the way.