Eating correctly is hard for all of us, but for some, the struggle is deadly. Severe over-eating or under-eating may lead to an eating disorder, a disease many of us have experience with, even if it is rarely diagnosed. We were so grateful to have Dr. Allegra Broft, a psychiatrist and professor at Columbia, on the show to educate us on the various types of eating disorders, and to let us know what we can do if a loved one needs help.
The three main types of eating disorders
In the video above, Allegra explores the three main eating disorders, and speaks to their differences and similarities.
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating Disorder
Allegra defines anorexia, as the “restriction of food on a chronic basis leading to a markedly significantly low body weight.†Allegra also emphasizes the “psychological aspect†of it – this is not just losing weight from a medical condition, but losing weight from the “intense fear of gaining weightâ€, even if you are already underweight.
Allegra describes Bulimia as a “normal-weight eating disorder,†meaning that it may be less physically visibile. Bulimia is defined by “repeated episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors,†and includes a similar psychological distresses to anorexia. The methods of purging can include “diet pills, water pills, laxatives, even exercise†says Allegra.
Allegra defines this disorder as “repeated episodes of binge eatingâ€, caused by associated psychological stresses, that lead to unhealthy withdrawal from ordinary life. While the first two eating disorders can be condsidered “restrictiveâ€, binge eating disorder does lead to weight gain. Ultimately, the defining characteristic of many of these illnesses is the “disturbance in the way you experience your bodyâ€.
Click here to check out the rest of my interview with Dr. Allegra Broft.
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