Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by disturbances in eating behaviors, body image, and emotions related to food and weight. These disorders often involve an unhealthy preoccupation with food, weight, and shape, leading to severe disturbances in an individual’s eating habits and overall well-being.

There are several types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa involves extreme restriction of food intake, resulting in significant weight loss and a distorted perception of body image. Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrollable overeating without compensatory behaviors.