The link between anorexia and bulimia and other eating disorders.

Eating disorders are a group of conditions defined by abnormal eating habits that negatively impact one’s health, emotions, and/or bodyweight. The three most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, but there are many other less well-known disorders that fall under the umbrella term of “eating disorder not otherwise specified” (EDNOS). Although there are many different types of eating disorders, they share certain common features, including an intense fear of gaining weight, severe body image disturbance, and abnormal eating habits.

Eating disorders often develop during adolescence or young adulthood, but they can also develop in childhood or later in life. Females are much more likely than males to develop an eating disorder, with an estimated ratio of 10:1. However, the number of males with eating disorders has been increasing in recent years.

There is no single cause of eating disorders. Rather, they are the result of a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociological factors. Genetics may play a role, as eating disorders tend to run in families. Psychological factors may include low self-esteem, negative body image, and a need for control. Social factors may include pressure to be thin from the media, peers, and family members.

Eating disorders can have serious and even life-threatening consequences. They are associated with a number of physical and mental health problems, including malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, depression, and suicide.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restricted eating and an intense fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia often have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously thin. They may frequently weigh themselves and engage in other weight-control behaviors, such as fasting, excessive exercise, and purging (via self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, and/or compulsive exercise).

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging. People with bulimia consume large amounts of food in a short period of time (bingeing) and then try to get rid of the calories by purging. Purging may be done by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, compulsive exercise, or fasting. People with bulimia often have a distorted body image and are obsessed with their weight and shape. Unlike people with anorexia, people with bulimia are often of normal weight or even overweight.

Binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes of binge eating, but without the purging behaviors seen in bulimia. Binge eating episodes are associated with a feeling of loss of control and are often followed by feelings of shame and guilt. People with binge eating disorder often have a distorted body image and are obsessed with their weight and shape. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting an estimated 3.5% of women and 2% of men.

EDNOS is characterized by disordered eating habits that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. EDNOS is often referred to as “subthreshold” anorexia or bulimia. People with EDNOS may engage in some of the same behaviors as people with anorexia or bulimia, but they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for either disorder. EDNOS is the most common type of eating disorder, affecting an estimated 1.9% of women and 0.5% of men.

Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that require treatment. If you or someone you know has signs or symptoms of an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help.See page

The difference between anorexia and bulimia in males and females.

What is anorexia?
Anorexia is an eating disorder that can result in severe weight loss. People with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight and a strong desire to be thin. Anorexia is more common in girls and women, but it can occur in boys and men as well.

What is bulimia?
Bulimia is an eating disorder that involves periods of binge eating, followed by purging. Purging may be done by vomiting or using laxatives. People with bulimia often feel out of control during a binge and use purging as a way to compensate for the binge. Bulimia is more common in girls and women, but it can occur in boys and men as well.

What are the differences between anorexia and bulimia in males and females?
Anorexia and bulimia are both more common in girls and women than they are in boys and men. This may be due to cultural pressure to be thin. Boys and men with anorexia or bulimia may be less likely to seek treatment because of the stigma attached to these disorders.

Anorexia and bulimia can both lead to severe weight loss. Anorexia is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a strong desire to be thin. Bulimia is characterized by periods of binge eating followed by purging. Purging may be done by vomiting or using laxatives. People with bulimia often feel out of control during a binge and use purging as a way to compensate for the binge.

Males and females with anorexia or bulimia may experience different symptoms. For example, girls and women with anorexia may stop having menstrual periods. Boys and men with anorexia may lose interest in sex. Girls and women with bulimia may have swollen cheeks or a bloated feeling. Boys and men with bulimia may have calluses on their knuckles from self-induced vomiting.

Anorexia and bulimia can both lead to serious health problems. These disorders can cause problems with heart, bones, muscles, and digestion. Anorexia can also lead to infertility. Bulimia can cause problems with the teeth and gums. Both disorders can cause anxiety and depression.

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