Living with Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are mental illnesses characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and/or negative thoughts about food intake and body image. These disorders can take various forms, including anorexia (anorexia nervosa), bulimia (binge eating disorder) and binge eating disorder (binge eating). Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy fear of gaining weight and inadequate food intake. People with anorexia often avoid foods they consider "fattening" and often eat extremely little food in order to lose weight or maintain their current weight. In severe cases, anorexia can lead to life-threatening complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and organ failure.