Eating disorders

 

dish with a scale on it

Eating disorders are mental disorders defined by abnormal eating habits that negatively affect a person’s physical or mental health. The main eating disorders are:

  • Anorexia: individuals with this disease reduce caloric intake incurring in malnutrition. They eliminate food also by self-induced vomiting and the misuse of laxatives and diuretics. The disease may have devastating effects on the body: from increased hair, to severe cardiovascular diseases, or even to death.
  • Bulimia: it is characterized by recurrent binge eating often followed by compensatory behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting and purging. As it not produces noticeable weight changes, it is easy to hide. However, it causes a state of very strong depression, which can lead the affected person to seek refuge in alcohol and drugs.