Eating Disorders

Battling an eating disorder can take a serious toll on both your mind and body. These conditions can affect mental health and harm nutrition, growth and overall physical well-being. 

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, about 9% of the U.S. population - nearly 30 million people - will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. This includes an estimated 20 million women and 10 million men. The experts at Banner Health provide compassionate, comprehensive care to help you on your journey to recovery. 

What is an eating disorder? 

An eating disorder is a mental health condition that involves an unhealthy focus on eating behaviors, body weight or exercise. While eating disorders are most common in adolescent girls and young women, they can affect people of any gender, age or body size. 

Types of eating disorders and related conditions 

The most common eating disorders include: 

• Anorexia nervosa – Severe restriction of food, excessive exercise or both 
• Bulimia nervosa – Episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting or misuse of laxatives 
• Binge eating disorder – Regularly eating large amounts of food in a short period of time with a feeling of loss of control 

Other eating disorders and related conditions include: 

• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) – Limited food intake not related to weight or body image, often due to sensory sensitivities or fear of choking or vomiting 
• Orthorexia – An unhealthy obsession with eating “pure” or “clean” foods that can lead to nutritional deficiencies 
• Night eating syndrome – Repeated episodes of eating after waking at night or consuming large amounts of food in the evening 
• Purging disorder – Purging behaviors, such as vomiting or laxative misuse, without binge eating episodes 
• Pica – Eating non-food substances such as dirt, clay or paper 
• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) – Obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance, which can contribute to or occur alongside disordered eating 

If you’re struggling with any of these conditions, know that help is available. Talking with your doctor or a mental health professional is an important first step toward recovery. 

Causes of eating disorders 

The exact cause is not fully understood, but eating disorders may develop from a combination of factors, including: 

• Genetics and family history 
• Coexisting mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder 
• Social and cultural pressures related to body image 

Signs and symptoms of eating disorders 

Recognizing the signs early can make a difference. Possible symptoms include: 

• Weight changes or fluctuations 
• Low energy or fatigue 
• Skipping meals or eating very small portions 
• Preoccupation with body shape or size 
• Mood swings, depression or anxiety 
• Avoiding eating in front of others 

If you’re concerned about a loved one, approach the conversation with compassion and empathy. Not everyone may recognize or admit they have a problem. 

Screening and diagnosis for eating disorders 

If you or someone you care about shows signs of an eating disorder, a clinical evaluation is an important next step. This may include: 

• A physical exam and review of medical history 
• Dental exam 
• Blood and urine tests 
• Mental health assessment 

Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and support better recovery outcomes. 

Treatment options for eating disorders 

At Banner Health, our goal is to help you build healthier eating habits, thoughts and coping strategies. Our multidisciplinary team may include physicians, registered dietitians, mental health professionals and other specialists. 

Treatment may involve: 

• Psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) 
• Nutritional counseling 
• Medications to address mood, anxiety or other related symptoms 
• Inpatient or residential treatment for more intensive care 

Learn how family-based therapy can help treat eating disorders. 

Your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. 

Why choose Banner Health for eating disorder care 

Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of recovery. From diagnosis to ongoing support, we focus on treating the whole person - not just the symptoms - so you can build a healthier relationship with food, your body and yourself.