Eating disorders are psychological illnesses
Eating disorders, such as anorexia, binge eating, and bulimia, are psychological illnesses. They involve abnormal eating habits, such as insufficient or excessive food intake.
These disorders often involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors, including a distorted vision about body weight and shape.
Untreated, eating disorders can sabotage physical and mental health
Left untreated, individuals with eating disorders can suffer physically and mentally. For example, they can experience anxiety, depression, self-harming behavior, and life-threatening health consequences. In addition, substance abuse and mental health concerns often co-occur.
As with all addictions, the disorder is not the problem. Rather, it is the solution. The problem is the inability to handle uncomfortable feelings or situations. Those with an eating disorder use food (or the lack of) to numb their feelings. As a result of this exertion, these individuals convince themselves they are in control.