Top Eating Disorder Articles - Anorexia & Bulimia Research

Eating Disorder Research Articles & Resources

Lisa A. Koosis

Last updated: Jun. 13, 2023

Erin L. George, MFT

Medical editor

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are behavioral illnesses characterized by persistent, unhealthy patterns in an individual’s eating behaviors, related thoughts, and accompanying emotions. They often involve a preoccupation with food, calories, weight, or body shape ⁽¹⁾, resulting in addiction-like behaviors, such as binge-eating, compulsive exercising, or abstaining from specific foods. Individuals with eating disorders may also purge, ridding their body of foods they’ve consumed by inducing vomiting or misusing laxatives. If untreated, these conditions may be life-threatening.
Although eating disorders can take many forms, three of the most commonly diagnosed conditions ⁽²⁾ are:

Anorexia nervosa. Individuals with anorexia profoundly fear gaining weight, which can lead to self-starvation. They may have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as overweight even if they aren’t. Individuals may restrict their food intake or binge-eat and then purge.
Bulimia nervosa. Bulimia typically involves alternating between dieting and binge-eating. Because sufferers fear gaining weight, binge-eating episodes are often followed by compensatory techniques, such as fasting, compulsive exercising, induced vomiting, or excess use of laxatives or diuretics.
Binge-eating disorder. Binge-eating disorder is characterized by a lack of control when eating. Individuals may consume large amounts of food, often quickly, regardless of hunger. Binges are typically followed by feelings of shame or guilt. However, unlike bulimia, binge-eating disorder doesn’t involve compensatory practices.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

People of all ages and social demographics can develop eating disorders, and the causes vary. However, medical experts typically agree that these conditions result from a combination of factors ⁽³⁾, including:

Eating disorders also run in families. However, regardless of family history, these conditions may occur more frequently in individuals with the following risk factors ⁽³⁾:

Eating disorders may also result when individuals substitute food obsessions for healthy coping mechanisms to gain a feeling of control over their lives or to cope with unpleasant emotions. ⁽³⁾

What Are the Symptoms of Eating Disorders? Signs to Know.

Although eating disorders often begin during the teen or young adult years, they can appear at any stage of life ⁽⁴⁾. And because eating disorders affect people of all sizes, shapes, and weights, it isn't always easy to tell if someone has one of these conditions. Although eating disorder symptoms may vary depending on the exact illness, common red flags ⁽³⁾ ⁽⁵⁾ include:

An individual who has an eating disorder may also experience medical symptoms, which can range from minor to life-threatening ⁽⁵⁾, including:

Do I Have an Eating Disorder? How Are Eating Disorders Diagnosed?

Self-diagnosing an eating disorder can be difficult. However, hotlines, such as the National Eating Disorders Helpline ⁽⁶⁾ connect individuals to resources that provide support and can help them find treatment. Anyone who thinks they may have an eating disorder may also seek help by contacting a physician or a mental health counselor.
The official path to a diagnosis generally depends on who is providing care. Medical doctors typically review symptoms, conduct a thorough physical exam, and order blood work. Mental health practitioners diagnose eating disorders through a psychological evaluation. However, all providers typically use the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to confirm a formal diagnosis. ⁽⁷⁾

What Is the Best Treatment for Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders require a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include behavioral, psychological, behavioral, medical, and nutritional rehabilitation components. Psychological therapy often forms the core of the regimen ⁽⁷⁾, helping individuals normalize their eating habits and find healthier ways to handle stress. Depending on the severity of the condition, eating disorder treatment may involve inpatient, outpatient, or residential services. Individuals who can’t gain weight on their own or who have life-threatening medical issues may require hospitalization or a feeding tube.
As part of the recovery process, patients may need to keep a food journal, identify personal triggers, or learn to plan nutritious meals. Often, family members play an active role in healing, particularly for younger patients. In some cases, antidepressants help ease symptoms of coexisting mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. ⁽⁷⁾ Treatment may also address medical and dental issues caused by the eating disorder.

How to Cope With an Eating Disorder Diagnosis

With complex treatment options and the potential for mixed messages from family and friends, coping with an eating disorder diagnosis can be challenging. A trusted doctor or mental health counselor can provide advice on healthy coping techniques. It's also helpful to prepare for medical and counseling appointments by:

Most importantly, remember that it is possible to resume healthy eating habits and a normal lifestyle with treatment.

How to Help Someone With an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are real, potentially life-threatening illnesses and not a lifestyle choice. Regardless of a patient’s stage of recovery, offering concern and support can help create an environment that’s conducive to healing. However, to help someone with an eating disorder, you may also want to:

It's important to understand that family and friends play a vital role in the healing process, so it's helpful to prioritize the patient's treatment to improve their chances for a successful recovery.