What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve an unhealthy relationship with food, eating, and body image. They're characterized by obsessive thoughts about food and body weight and can cause severe physical health problems if left untreated.

What are the different types of eating disorders?

There are several types of eating disorders, including:

Anorexia Nervosa: This is characterized by intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to self-starvation in pursuit of weight loss. There are two subtypes of anorexia: the restrictive subtype, where weight loss is achieved by restricting food intake, and the binge/purge subtype, where the individual may binge eat or use inappropriate methods to prevent weight gain.

Bulimia Nervosa: This disorder involves periods of uncontrollable binge-eating followed by behaviours to prevent weight gain such as self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Binge Eating Disorder: This involves frequent overeating during a short period (e.g., within two hours), combined with a lack of control and intense feelings of distress.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Previously known as "Selective Eating Disorder," ARFID is characterized by the avoidance or restriction of food intake without concerns about body shape or weight.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): This category includes conditions that do not meet the full criteria for any of the disorders above, but where individuals still show significant distress and impairment.

Orthorexia: Although not officially recognized in the DSM-5, orthorexia is a term used to describe an obsession with "healthy" or "clean" eating, which can negatively impact health and daily functioning.

Diabulimia: Also not formally recognized in the DSM-5, diabulimia refers to the intentional withholding of insulin by people with type 1 diabetes to control their weight.

Each of these disorders has unique symptoms and can present different risks, making professional diagnosis and treatment essential.

Who are affected by eating disorders?

Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, body shapes, and weights.

How do I know if I have an eating disorder?

Signs of an eating disorder vary widely and can include an obsession with food, body weight, and shape, extreme dieting, bingeing, purging, or exercising. If you believe you may have an ED, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

What is disordered eating and what is the difference between that and an eating disorder?

Disordered eating is a term used to describe a wide array of irregular and potentially harmful eating behaviors that may not meet the specific medical criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder. These can include behaviors such as chronic dieting, frequent weight fluctuations, obsessive calorie counting, anxiety associated with specific foods or meal skipping, and body image dissatisfaction.

While both disordered eating and eating disorders involve unhealthy relationships with food and body, the key difference is in the severity and frequency of these behaviors. Eating disorders are diagnosable mental health conditions that meet certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and are typically more severe, often interfering with a person's ability to lead a healthy life.

Disordered eating, on the other hand, may not be as constant or as severe, but it can still have detrimental effects on an individual's physical and mental health and should not be taken lightly. If you feel distressed about your eating habits, it's important to seek professional help, even if you don't meet the criteria for a specific eating disorder.

I am not underweight, but I constantly worry about my food and body image. Could this still be an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are not solely defined by weight. They are mental health conditions characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food and body image. If your thoughts about food, weight, or body size are causing you significant distress or negatively impacting your quality of life, you could be dealing with an eating disorder. We recommend seeking professional help to assess your situation and provide the necessary support.

What if I feel like I’m not “sick enough” to seek help for my eating behaviors?

Many people struggling with eating disorders believe they are not 'sick enough' to seek help, but this is a common misconception. You don't have to reach a critical point to validate your struggles or seek help. Any concerns about your eating behaviors or body image are worth addressing. Seeking help early can make a significant difference in your recovery process.

How can I help someone I love who may be struggling with an eating disorder?

If you suspect a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, express your concerns in an open, supportive, and non-judgmental way. Encourage them to seek help from healthcare professionals. You can also educate yourself about eating disorders to better understand their experiences.

What is the prevalence of eating disorders in the AAPI community?

While the exact prevalence rates of eating disorders in the AAPI community may vary due to underreporting and cultural barriers to treatment, studies show these conditions are significant and increasing issues. A 2020 research study indicated that eating disorder symptoms are present in as many as 20% of East Asian women. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Eating Disorders in 2020 indicated that young South Asian women in the US are more likely to exhibit signs of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts.

Research on Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians, has also revealed concerns. For instance, a study in Hawaii found that 13.5% of surveyed high school girls reported vomiting or taking laxatives to control their weight.

It's crucial to note that these figures might underestimate the true prevalence due to factors like stigma, lack of awareness, and cultural misunderstandings about eating disorders in the AAPI community.