Breaking It Down: The Different Types of Eating Disorders
Let’s be real — the term “eating disorder” gets thrown around a lot. Maybe you’ve heard it on TikTok, in health class, or during a conversation with a friend. But what do these disorders actually mean? And how do you know the difference between a rough patch with food and something more serious?
This blog is your no-judgment, straight-up guide to understanding the different types of eating disorders. Whether you’re worried about yourself, a friend, or just want to learn more — this is a safe space to get the facts.
Anorexia Nervosa
What it is:
An intense fear of gaining weight, even when someone is underweight. People with anorexia often restrict food, over-exercise, or obsess about calories.
Signs might include:
Skipping meals or eating very small amounts
Seeing themselves as "fat" even when they’re underweight
Wearing baggy clothes to hide their body
Obsessing over food, weight, or appearance
Feeling cold all the time
This disorder can seriously impact the heart, bones, and brain. It’s not “just being disciplined” — it’s a serious mental health issue.
Bulimia Nervosa
What it is:
A cycle of binge eating (eating large amounts in a short time) followed by behaviours like vomiting, using laxatives, or over-exercising to try and “get rid of” the food.
Signs might include:
Going to the bathroom right after meals
Swollen cheeks or marks on the knuckles (from purging)
Feeling out of control during eating
Keeping binge foods hidden or eating in secret
Constant worry about body image
Bulimia can lead to dehydration, digestive issues, and serious damage to the throat, teeth, and organs if untreated.
Binge Eating Disorder
What it is:
Regular episodes of eating large amounts of food, often quickly and in secret, without purging afterward. This can lead to guilt, shame, and emotional distress.
Signs might include:
Eating when not hungry
Feeling unable to stop eating
Hiding food or eating alone
Feeling disgusted, sad, or numb after a binge
BED is the most common eating disorder, and it’s important to know it’s not just “overeating.” It’s a real and treatable mental health condition.
Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
What it is:
A pattern of avoiding certain foods or food groups — not because of weight concerns, but due to sensory issues, fear of choking, or low appetite.
Signs might include:
Extremely picky eating beyond childhood
Avoiding entire food groups
Anxiety around eating or trying new foods
Weight loss or nutritional deficiencies
ARFID can affect growth and health and often shows up in childhood or early teen years. It’s not just being “a picky eater.”
Other Specified Feeding Or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
What it is:
This diagnosis covers eating disorders that don’t fit perfectly into one category but are still serious and need support.
Examples:
All the signs of bulimia but less frequent episodes
Restricting food without meeting full anorexia criteria
Night eating syndrome or chewing/spitting food
“Eating disorders are complex conditions rooted in emotional pain, not vanity. They deserve serious attention and compassionate care.”
Final Thought
Eating disorders can feel confusing, isolating, and overwhelming. But here’s the truth: they’re not your fault. They’re not about willpower. And they are 100% treatable with the right support.
If something in this post felt familiar — for you or someone you care about — don’t ignore it. Reaching out is a powerful first step. Talk to a trusted adult, school counselor, or healthcare provider.
You deserve to have a healthy, happy relationship with food — and with yourself.
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.
