Eating disorders are complex conditions that manifest through unhealthy eating habits and a distorted self-image. They can have severe consequences on both physical and mental health. The most common types of eating disorders are:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by weight loss, difficulty maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age, and stature; and, in many individuals, distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves repeated binge eating followed by behaviors that compensate for the overeating, such as forced vomiting, excessive exercise, or extreme use of laxatives or diuretics.
• Binge-Eating Disorder: Similar to bulimia, binge-eating disorder features episodes of uncontrollably eating large quantities of food; however, without the follow-up behaviors to counter the overeating.

Treatment is most effective when it is holistic and multidisciplinary, involving:

• Medical Care: To address any health issues that might have been caused by the eating disorder.
• Nutrition: This involves weight restoration and stabilization, guidance for normal eating, and the integration of an individualized meal plan.
• Therapy: Both individual and group therapy can be beneficial. Family-based therapy is particularly important for adolescents.
• Medications: While there are no medications specifically approved to treat eating disorders, some medications might be prescribed to help with related anxiety or depression.