Breaking It Down: The Different Types of Eating Disorders
When people hear the term "eating disorder," many imagine just one type of struggle — but the truth is, eating disorders come in many forms. They can look very different from one person to another, and not every eating disorder fits the same mold.
Some people restrict what they eat, others may eat large amounts in secret, and some might feel stuck in a painful cycle of overeating and trying to "make up for it." No matter how it shows up, every eating disorder is serious and deserves understanding and support.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common types of eating disorders — like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder — and explain what they really mean. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to recognise when something isn't right, whether it's happening to you or someone you care about. Let’s dive in.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia isn’t just about wanting to be thin — it’s about intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of one's body. People with anorexia often see themselves as overweight even when they’re dangerously underweight.
Key signs include:
Severely limiting food intake
Obsessively counting calories
Exercising excessively
Extreme weight loss
Feeling "never thin enough"
Anorexia can cause serious health issues, including heart problems, bone loss, and organ failure. It’s not about vanity — it’s a mental health condition that needs real support and treatment.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating (eating large amounts of food quickly) followed by purging (getting rid of the food through vomiting, excessive exercise, or using laxatives).
Key signs include:
Eating secretly or feeling out of control around food
Going to the bathroom immediately after meals
Signs of damage from vomiting (like sore throat or dental problems)
Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating
Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia might maintain a “normal” weight, which can make it harder to recognise — but the emotional and physical damage is just as serious.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is when someone frequently eats very large amounts of food in a short time — and feels powerless to stop. Unlike bulimia, there’s no purging afterward, but there’s often a lot of shame and sadness.
Key signs include:
Eating even when full or not hungry
Eating very quickly during binges
Eating alone because of embarrassment
Feeling depressed, disgusted, or guilty after eating
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder, and it can deeply affect emotional wellbeing and physical health.
Other Specified Feeding Or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Not everyone fits neatly into one category. OSFED covers serious eating issues that don’t meet the "full criteria" for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder — but are still dangerous and real.
Examples include:
Restricting food but not enough for an anorexia diagnosis
Purging without bingeing
Night eating syndrome (eating a lot during the night)
These struggles are just as important to notice and address.
Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is different from other eating disorders because it’s not based on body image. Instead, it's about a fear of choking, a strong dislike of food textures, or a lack of interest in eating.
Key signs include:
Extreme pickiness that leads to weight loss or nutrient deficiencies
Avoiding foods due to fear of choking or vomiting
Needing supplements or feeding tubes for nutrition
ARFID often starts in childhood but can continue into the teenage years and beyond if not treated.
Final Thought
Eating disorders aren’t “phases” or choices — they are serious mental health conditions that deserve attention, compassion, and help. They can look very different from person to person, and sometimes the most dangerous struggles are the hardest to see from the outside.
If you or someone you know is struggling with eating or body image, reaching out for support is a brave and important first step. You are not alone, and there is always a way toward healing and self-acceptance. Your health, happiness, and future are worth fighting for.
At Shout, we have around 80 conversations every day about eating disorders or body image. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it's important to know that there is support available and you can get better.
