Overview of Less Well-Known Eating Disorders
Many of us are familiar with and recognize anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder as the most common eating disorders. In addition to these well-known mental health disorders, there are a plethora of less-recognized eating disorders that affect the mental and physical health of millions of individuals. The lack of recognition amongst these lesser-known eating disorders does not make them any less serious or life-threatening.
By: Amanda Nussbaum
Eating disorders are severe mental health conditions that will affect more than 30 million people in the United States at some point during their lifetime. Eating disorders most frequently impact the relationships people have with their body, food, and exercise. Eating disorders also increase one’s risk for potentially harming their body, mental health, and even their life. Factors that contribute to eating disorders include genetics, stress, perfectionism, relationships, the media, athletics, expectations, or poor self-esteem. Many are familiar with the more common eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, but there are other less well-known eating disorders that are just as serious. It is important to be aware of these eating disorders which affect children, teens, and adults alike.
Below is an overview of some less well-known eating disorders, including their signs and symptoms.
ARFID
Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was previously known as “Selective Eating Disorder”. There are some similarities between ARFID and anorexia, as both disorders involve avoiding “fear” foods which often results in nutrient deficiency, weight loss in adults, and stunted child development. ARFID is more common in early childhood and is sometimes mistaken for “extreme picky eating”. However, ARFID can continue into adulthood. People with ARFID tend to avoid certain foods depending on their color, texture, appearance, taste, or smell. They may also be afraid of choking and throwing up. Interestingly, those with ARFID are not concerned with the shape or size of their body.
Pica
Pica involves the consumption of non-food items, such as dirt, paper, paint, hair, chalk, clay, or detergent. Because infants put all sorts of objects in their mouth, a child must be at least 24 months old before receiving a diagnosis. Pica most often occurs in young children, but is also seen in pregnant women and those with intellectual disabilities as well. However, this disorder can affect individuals outside of these categories as well. Studies have shown that Pica may be caused by malnutrition or a nutrient deficiency. Depending on what is consumed, Pica can lead to intestinal blockage, infection, or poisoning.
Orthorexia
Orthorexia occurs in people who become overly preoccupied and concerned with eating “healthy.” They focus on the purity, quality, and health benefits of foods. Some signs of orthorexia include obsessively checking ingredient and nutrition labels, thinking about future meals, eliminating certain food groups, wanting food to be prepared a certain way, and being concerned about what others are eating.
OSFED
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) is a “catch-all” eating disorder for men and women who struggle with eating disorder behaviors, but do not meet all of the diagnostic requirements for a particular disorder. Some examples of OSFED include showing signs of bulimia or binge eating disorder, but exhibiting these behaviors at a lower intensity or for a shorter amount of time. Atypical anorexia develops when someone shows restrictive behaviors, but does not meet the weight requirements of anorexia. Someone with purging disorder may throw up without being diagnosed specifically with binge eating disorder. If a person experiences night eating syndrome, there will be episodes of excessive eating after dinner or waking up to eat.
Muscle Dysmorphia
Muscle Dysmorphia, also known as “bigorexia” or “reverse anorexia”, muscle dysmorphia is most prevalent in men who are focused on having the perfect body. However, unlike striving to be smaller with anorexia, someone with muscle dysmorphia wants to be muscular. Some warning signs include people not thinking their body is muscular or lean enough, using food supplements, working out while injured, or exercising and weight lifting for long periods of time.
All eating disorders should be taken seriously and every person struggling with one should receive appropriate medical attention and treatment. Any eating disorder, common or not, can have a significant impact on one’s behavior, relationships, and ability to perform everyday tasks. Eating disorders may differ from each other, but they can result in serious health consequences if not properly addressed. No one should not feel ashamed if they suffer from an eating disorder that is not as well known as others. Recovery is possible for all eating disorders.
If you feel that you or a loved one may have an eating disorder, even without experiencing all symptoms of one particular disorder, it is important to remember that recovery is possible. Getting the support and treatment you need can help you begin living a healthy and satisfying life again. Click the button below to learn more about our programs and services.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!