What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are classified as conditions that involve unhealthy eating behaviors. These behaviors may include extreme restriction of food intake, binge eating, or purging, and they can lead to serious health consequences both physically and psychologically. Individuals with eating disorders often have distorted body image perceptions and may struggle with feelings of control, self-esteem, and anxiety related to food and body weight.

While metabolic disorders and psychological disorders can be associated with or influenced by eating disorders, the defining characteristic of eating disorders themselves is the focus on the unhealthy eating behaviors. Allergic reactions do not pertain to the concept of eating disorders, as they involve immune responses rather than behavioral patterns or issues with food intake. Understanding this distinction is crucial for identifying and addressing the complexities of eating disorders in both clinical and educational settings.