{"id":722,"date":"2023-03-10T18:01:49","date_gmt":"2023-03-10T18:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/eating-disorders\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T16:43:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:43:17","slug":"eating-disorders","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/eating-disorders\/","title":{"raw":"Hunger and Eating: Learn It 3\u2014Eating Disorders","rendered":"Hunger and Eating: Learn It 3\u2014Eating Disorders"},"content":{"raw":"

Eating Disorders<\/h2>\r\n
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Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions associated with a high risk of physical and psychological complications. They are among the most deadly of all mental health diagnoses, with anorexia nervosa carrying a mortality rate nearly six times higher than that of the general population (Arcelus et al., 2011). Eating disorders affect people of all genders, races, ages, and body types, though they often go undiagnosed\u2014research suggests that more than 70% of those struggling never receive the treatment they need (Hart et al., 2011).<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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bulimia nervosa<\/h3>\r\n

Bulimia nervosa<\/strong> is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. Binge eating involves consuming an unusually large amount of food in a short period while feeling a lack of control. Common compensatory behaviors include purging through self-induced vomiting or laxative use, though some individuals engage in excessive exercise or fasting instead.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n

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Bulimia is associated with many adverse health consequences that can include electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, heart failure, and tooth decay from repeated exposure to stomach acid. In addition, individuals with bulimia often suffer from anxiety and depression, and they are at an increased risk for substance abuse (Mayo Clinic, 2012b). Lifetime prevalence rates for bulimia nervosa range from 1% to 3% in women and from 0.5% to over 1% in men (van Hoeken & Hoek, 2020).[footnote]van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H. W. (2020). Review of the burden of eating disorders: mortality, disability, costs, quality of life, and family burden. Current opinion in psychiatry, 33(6), 521\u2013527. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/YCO.0000000000000641[\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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binge eating disorder<\/h3>\r\n

Binge eating disorder (BED)<\/strong> is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period while experiencing a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia, eating binges are not followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, but they are followed by significant distress, including feelings of guilt and embarrassment. The resulting psychological distress distinguishes binge eating disorder from overeating. BED was first recognized as a distinct diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association in the 2013 release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n

BED is the most common eating disorder. The lifetime prevalence in the United States is approximately 2.6%, with international surveys averaging around 1.9% (Udo & Grilo, 2018; StatPearls, 2024). Unlike other eating disorders, BED affects men at rates closer to women\u2014approximately 3.5% of women and 2% of men in the U.S. will experience BED in their lifetime (Eating Recovery Center, 2024).[footnote]Udo, T., & Grilo, C. M. (2018). Prevalence and correlates of DSM-5-defined eating disorders in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Biological Psychiatry, 84(5), 345\u2013354. https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29859631\/[\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n

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anorexia nervosa<\/h3>\r\n

Anorexia nervosa<\/strong> is an eating disorder characterized by the maintenance of a bodyweight well below average through starvation and\/or excessive exercise. Individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa often have a distorted body image<\/strong>, referenced in the literature as a type of body dysmorphia, meaning that they view themselves as overweight even though they are not.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n

Like bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa is associated with a number of significant negative health outcomes: bone loss, heart failure, kidney failure, amenorrhea (cessation of the menstrual period), reduced function of the gonads, and in extreme cases, death. Approximately 25% of deaths among individuals with anorexia nervosa are from suicide, highlighting the serious psychological burden of this condition (Arcelus et al., 2011). Furthermore, there is an increased risk for a number of psychological problems, which include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance abuse (Mayo Clinic, 2012a).<\/p>\r\n

Lifetime prevalence rates for anorexia nervosa range up to 4% in women and approximately 0.3% in men (van Hoeken & Hoek, 2020). Notably, rates of anorexia among younger adolescents (under age 15) have increased in recent years.<\/p>\r\n

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Not all eating disorders are driven by body image. Avoidant\/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)<\/b><\/span> involves restriction or avoidance of food due to sensory sensitivity, low interest in eating, or fear of negative consequences (like choking), resulting in nutritional and\/or psychosocial impairment.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n

Who is most at risk?<\/h3>\r\n

Eating disorders affect people of all genders, races, ages, and body types. While eating disorders were once stereotyped as primarily affecting young, white, affluent women, research increasingly challenges this narrow view. Studies show that eating disorders occur at similar rates across racial and ethnic groups, though people of color are significantly less likely to be diagnosed or asked about disordered eating by healthcare providers (Marques et al., 2011). This disparity in diagnosis and treatment\u2014not actual prevalence\u2014likely accounts for earlier findings that emphasized white populations.<\/p>\r\n

Adolescents and young adults remain the highest-risk age group, with females between the ages of 15 and 19 showing the highest rates. Global data shows that eating disorder prevalence has increased over the past three decades. Between 1990 and 2021, the global prevalence rate increased by approximately 18% among adolescents and young adults, with rates continuing to rise (Li et al., 2025).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Both biological and social factors contribute to eating disorder risk. There is evidence that genetic factors may predispose people to these disorders (Collier & Treasure, 2004). Sociocultural factors also play an important role, including exposure to messaging about body ideals. While earlier research focused on thin ideals portrayed in traditional media such as television and fashion magazines, social media has emerged as a significant factor. Research shows a meaningful correlation between social media use\u2014particularly exposure to appearance-focused content\u2014and body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors. Importantly, the type of content consumed appears to matter more than the amount of time spent online (Sanzari et al., 2023).<\/p>\r\n

Eating Disorders in Men<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Men are often underrepresented in eating disorder research and clinical settings. Historically, eating disorders in men have been underdiagnosed and underreported, in part due to stigma and the misconception that eating disorders only affect women (Halbeisen et al., 2024).[footnote]Halbeisen, G., Laskowski, N., Brandt, G., Waschescio, U., & Paslakis, G. (2024). Eating Disorders in Men. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 121(3), 86\u201391. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3238\/arztebl.m2023.0246[\/footnote] Current estimates suggest men account for approximately 25% of eating disorder cases. Male presentations may differ somewhat\u2014men are more likely to use excessive exercise as a compensatory behavior and may focus on muscularity rather than thinness. LGBTQ+ individuals show elevated rates of eating disorders compared to heterosexual peers (Feldman & Meyer, 2007).<\/p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"307\"]\"A Figure 1<\/strong>. Young women in our society are inundated with images of extremely thin models (sometimes accurately depicted and sometimes digitally altered to make them look even thinner). Such images may contribute to eating disorders. (credit: Peter Duhon)[\/caption]\r\n\r\n

Treatment of Eating Disorders<\/h3>\r\n

Treatment for eating disorders often involves a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical, psychological, and nutritional therapies. Common treatment components include:<\/p>\r\n