Many of us have an idea of what eating disorders can look like: food avoidance, extreme thinness, overeating, vomiting after meals. However, when it comes to disordered eating, there is often more to what meets the eye. There are all different types of eating disorders, each characterized by different symptoms, that can affect a person’s health.  

Despite the different types, though, eating disorders usually stem from a very similar place. As explained in the National Library of Medicine, eating disorders ultimately come from an “excessive concern about bodyweight,” to the point in which a person’s physical health and psychosocial functioning are disrupted. Of course, certain factors – like genetics, childhood trauma, societal expectations, and a pressure for perfectionism – can play a major role in the development of eating disorders. 

Despite popular belief, and the physical nature of them, eating disorders are not always outwardly apparent. Research shows that by the age of 20, 1 in every 8 individuals will develop an eating disorder. Most often, eating disorders affect teenagers and young women, but can impact anyone, of any age. 

So, what types of eating disorders are most common—and what do they look like in the average person? Let’s dig into these questions below. 

Common Types of Eating Disorders in Teens & Young Adults 

1. Anorexia Nervosa 

Anorexia is among the most recognized types of eating disorders. It is characterized by extreme weight loss and a severe restriction of food intake. Many people struggling with anorexia nervosa have an intense fear of gaining weight and/or a distorted perception of body image. They may see themselves as overweight, even when they are underweight, leading them to avoid or significantly limit food. Sometimes, those with anorexia will binge-eat and purge (via vomiting or laxatives), but the most common form of this disorder can be seen in restrictive eating. 

Anorexia nervosa can affect anyone, of any age, but most commonly begins during the adolescent years. As the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) points out, you cannot always tell if a person is struggling with disorder, simply by looking at them. Many people with anorexia will hide or minimize their symptoms. This is extremely dangerous. Left unaddressed, anorexia nervosa can lead to malnutrition and severe health effects. Those struggling might experience dizziness and dehydration, muscle weakness, severe constipation, abdominal pain, sudden cardiac arrest, bone loss, and mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.  

Anorexia nervosa, to the eye, can look like: 

• Extreme thinness (or being underweight for a person’s size/age) 

• Not gaining weight over a period of time/growth 

• Brittle hair and nails 

• Avoidance of food 

• Preoccupation with food or weight 

• Obsessive-compulsive habits with food, such as breaking into small pieces 

2. Bulimia Nervosa 

Bulimia nervosa is another serious type of eating disorder. Its tell-tale sign is when a person cycles between binge-eating and compensatory behaviors. During binge-eating episodes, they may feel a loss of control and eat large amounts of food in a short period of time. Afterwards, they may compensate for overeating by self-inducing vomiting, misusing laxatives, exercising excessively, and/or fasting.  

Like anorexia, bulimia most often develops during adolescence or young adulthood. However, it’s especially difficult to recognize, as many individuals struggling will maintain a “normal” weight. They will also hide symptoms or evidence of binging/purging is hidden. As a result, bulimia often goes undiagnosed. 

Unfortunately, bulimia can have serious health consequences over time, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, and damage to the teeth and throat from repeated vomiting. Like anorexia and many other eating disorders, bulimia is also commonly linked with co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. 

So, how can you tell if a person is struggling? Outward symptoms of bulimia nervosa include: 

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating 

• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals 

• Evidence of vomiting or laxative use 

• Preoccupation with body weight or shape 

• Signs of dehydration or fatigue 

• Swollen cheeks or jaw area 

• Dental issues (such as enamel erosion) 

3. Binge Eating Disorder 

Binge eating disorder is the most common type of eating disorder in the United States, affecting a notable number of teenagers and adult women. Called BED for short, this disorder is characterized by repeatedly eating large amounts of food (often quickly and to the point of discomfort) without regular attempts to compensate afterward. Those with binge eating disorder lack control during these eating episodes, and often experience guilt, shame, or distress afterward. 

Despite what you may think, binge eating disorder can affect people of all body sizes. Because it does not involve purging, it may go unrecognized or misunderstood. However, BED can still have significant physical and emotional side effects, including weight fluctuations, digestive issues, and increased risk for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Emotional distress, low self-esteem, and isolation are also common among those with BED. 

To summarize, binge eating disorder symptoms typically include: 

• Eating unusually large amounts of food in a short time 

• Eating rapidly or until uncomfortably full 

• Eating when not physically hungry 

• Eating alone due to embarrassment 

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or distress after eating 

• Noticeable fluctuations in weight 

• Hoarding or hiding food 

4. Avoidant or Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) 

While less common, knowledge and awareness around ARFID has grown in recent years. This eating disorder is complex, often exhibiting itself as a complete aversion or lack of interest in food (or certain types of food). This may be a result of having sensory reactions or sensitivities to certain textures or tastes, or a fear of negative consequences such as choking or vomiting. Sometimes, it’s because food is an afterthought. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, ARFID is not driven by issues with body weight or image. 

Because of the severe level of restriction and avoidance, people with ARFID generally fail to meet their nutritional or energy needs. They may experience significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and a struggle to function socially/develop relationships. These individuals often depend on supplements to maintain their physical health, but mentally, ARFID can take a toll on a person’s overall well-being. 

ARFID is often misunderstood and characterized as “picky” eating, though evidence shows it’s a diagnosable condition. To the average person, ARFID can look like: 

• Extremely selective or “picky” eating patterns 

• Avoidance of certain textures, colors, or food groups 

• Limited range of accepted foods 

• Lack of interest in eating or low appetite 

• Weight loss or failure to grow as expected 

• Nutritional deficiencies 

• Anxiety around eating or mealtimes 

5. Pica 

Pica is another, generally misunderstood type of eating disorder. Those with this condition repeatedly crave and/or eat non-food substances that have no nutritional value, such as dirt, chalk, paper, or hair.  

Pica can occur in children, adolescents, and adults, and is sometimes associated with nutritional deficiencies or other medical or mental health conditions. Expectant women sometimes report developing pica during their pregnancy. The behaviors associated with pica must be considered developmentally inappropriate and persistent to qualify as a disorder. 

While different, this type of eating disorder does pose health risks. Depending on the substances consumed, pica can lead to poisoning, infections, intestinal blockages, or other serious complications. 

Pica symptoms, to the eye, can look like: 

• Eating non-food items (e.g., dirt, clay, paper) 

• Cravings for unusual substances 

• Dental damage or digestive issues 

• Stomach pain or gastrointestinal distress 

• Signs of nutrient deficiencies 

• Behavioral patterns that seem developmentally inappropriate 

6. Rumination Disorder 

Rumination disorder is a newer type of eating disorder, for which research is still developing. According to the National Institute of Health website, it means that an individual repeatedly regurgitates food after eating and swallowing. After regurgitating, the person will rechew the food and either re-swallow or spit it out. This behavior typically occurs within 30 minutes of eating and is voluntary; it is not due to a medical condition and typically occurs regularly over a period of time. 

Rumination disorder can develop in infants, children, adolescents, or adults, and may be mistaken for other gastrointestinal issues. Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and social difficulties, particularly if individuals look to avoid eating in front of others. 

Symptoms of rumination disorder can be obvious, including: 

• Repeated regurgitation of food after meals 

• Rechewing or spitting out food 

• Complaints about stomach discomfort or pressure 

• Weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight 

• Avoidance of eating in social settings 

• Bad breath or dental issues 

This disorder can also commonly co-occur with anorexia nervosa, leading to extreme weight loss. 

7. Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED) 

The last eating disorder in this list is not one specific type, but rather a combination of eating disorders that exist, but are not specifically or neatly broken out in diagnostic manuals. In general, this category of eating disorders describes conditions that cause significant distress or impairment for an individual, but do not meet the full-on criteria of other common diagnoses like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. For example, OSFED may include atypical anorexia (where weight may be within or above a typical range despite significant restriction), purging disorder (purging without binge eating), and subthreshold forms of bulimia or binge eating disorder. Because these conditions don’t fit perfectly into one diagnosis, they are often overlooked. However, they still require attention and care. Many people with an atypical eating disorder will later develop a typical eating disorder. 

Symptoms of OSFED conditions can include: 

• Disordered eating patterns that don’t fit a single diagnosis 

• Restriction of food intake without being underweight 

• Purging behaviors without binge eating 

• Irregular or less frequent binge episodes 

• Ongoing distress around food, weight, or body image 

• Physical symptoms of malnutrition or imbalance 

• Co-occurring mental health concerns like anxiety or depression 

Treatment for All Types of Eating Disorders 

No matter the type of eating disorder, all conditions deserve professional treatment and support. Eating disorders can be severe, leading to issues with malnutrition, mental health disorders, and other long-term side effects. Treatment for eating disorders typically involves different forms of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, such as 1:1 counseling, group therapy, and family counseling. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common type of treatment for eating disorders in teenagers especially.  

Eating disorders may also require medical care, clinical monitoring, nutrition counseling, and medications or supplements. As a result, it’s important to find a provider that offers integrated care. 

Turnbridge is a mental health treatment provider specializing in adolescent and young adult experiences. We offer specific programs for young people struggling with eating disorders, and an integrated, trauma-informed care model. You can learn more by visiting us online here, or calling 877-581-1793 to speak with a treatment specialist.