eating disorders are serious and often fatal illnesses associated with severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviours and related thoughts and emotions. the most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
symptoms vary depending on the type of eating disorder but may include an obsession with food, body weight, and shape. anorexia involves self-starvation and an inability to maintain a healthy weight. bulimia involves frequent episodes of binge eating followed by purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. binge-eating disorder is characterized by regular episodes of extreme overeating.
the exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, behavioural, psychological, and social factors.
treatment often involves a combination of psychological therapy, nutrition education, medical monitoring, and sometimes medications.
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