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Eating disorders

• More information on eating disorders

Eating disorders involve serious problems in eating behavior. The main types of eating disorders include:

• Anorexia nervosa – an intense fear of getting fat that causes you to not eat, even though you become too thin
• Bulimia nervosa – involves bouts of overeating followed by purging, such as throwing up, to prevent weight gain
• Binge eating disorder – out-of-control eating

Eating disorders interfere with routines at work and at home. But more importantly, eating disorders are very dangerous and need treatment. They can cause heart and kidney problems, and even death.

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More information on eating disorders

Read more from womenshealth.gov

• Anorexia Nervosa Fact Sheet — This fact sheet explains anorexia's causes, signs and symptoms, and its effects on the body. It also provides information for pregnant women who have or have had anorexia.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/anorexia-nervosa.cfm
• Binge Eating Disorder Fact Sheet — This fact sheet provides information on binge eating disorder, including potential causes, associated risks, and possible treatments.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/binge-eating-disorder.cfm
• Bulimia Nervosa Fact Sheet — This fact sheet answers common questions about bulimia nervosa, including its causes, warning signs, complications, and available treatment options.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/bulimia-nervosa.cfm

Explore other publications and websites

• A Brief Overview of Therapies Used in the Treatment of Eating Disorders (Copyright © National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) — Psychotherapy can be an effective way of treating eating disorders. This fact sheet provides an overview of each type of psychotherapy commonly used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders.
  http://www.anad.org/get-information/information-about-treatment/
• ANAD Eating Disorder Support Groups (Copyright © ANAD) — If you have an eating disorder, this web page will help you locate a support group in your area.
  http://www.anad.org/?s=ANAD+Eating+Disorder+Support+Groups
• Anorexia Nervosa (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This publication provides information about anorexia nervosa, including risk factors, symptoms, treatment, coping skills, and self-help.
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anorexia/DS00606
• Binge-Eating Disorder (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This website provides information about binge-eating disorder, including risk factors, symptoms, treatment, coping skills, and self-help.
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/binge-eating-disorder/DS00608
• Bulimia — This web page describes the symptoms, treatments, and prognosis of eating disorder Bulimia and offers contact information for support groups.
  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000341.htm
• Bulimia Nervosa Resource Guide for Family and Friends (Copyright © ECRI Institute) — This website provides a one-stop comprehensive resource on bulimia nervosa for anyone who wants to understand the disorder and how to support a family member or friend with bulimia nervosa.
  http://www.bulimiaguide.org/
• Bulimia Nervosa: Checklists and Tip Charts (Copyright © Bulimia Nervosa Resource Guide) — this web page provides information about every aspect of treating bulimia nervosa: recommended questions to ask your doctor, guidance for insurance issues, ways for friends and family to be supportive, and more.
  http://www.bulimiaguide.org/index/category.aspx?lid=464
• Bulimia Nervosa: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Help (Copyright © Helpguide.org) — This page outlines the basic information about the eating disorder bulimia and explains how to get help.
  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bulimia_signs_symptoms_causes_treatment.htm
• Eating Disorders — This detailed booklet describes symptoms, causes, and treatments of eating disorders. It also includes information on getting help and coping.
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/summary.shtml
• Eating Disorders & Pregnancy: Some Facts About the Risks (Copyright © National Eating Disorder Association) — This publication discusses the risks of having an eating disorder during pregnancy, including an explanation of how it can affect both the baby and the mother. It also provides information on what to do if you become pregnant while already struggling with an eating disorder.
  http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedaDir/files/documents/handouts/Pregnant.pdf
• How to Afford Appropriate Treatment for an Eating Disorder: A Guide for Patients & Their Families (Copyright © National Eating Disorder Association) — This publication provides detailed information about health insurance, where to find help for eating disorders, and where to get financial assistance for treatment.
  http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/uploads/file/information-resources/Eating%20Disorders%20Survival%20Guide%20revised%2012_21_2008.pdf
• What People With Anorexia Nervosa Need to Know About Osteoporosis — Anorexia nervosa has significant physical consequences. Affected individuals can experience nutritional and hormonal problems that negatively impact bone density. This fact sheet discusses osteoporosis management strategies in individuals who have anorexia.
  http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/Conditions_Behaviors/anorexia_nervosa.asp

Connect with other organizations

• Academy for Eating Disorders
  http://www.aedweb.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
• American Dietetic Association
  http://www.eatright.org/default.aspx
• Bulimia Nervosa Resource Guide
  http://www.bulimiaguide.org/
• Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders (FEAST)
  http://feast-ed.org/feast.html
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  http://www.nami.org/
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
  http://www.anad.org/
• National Eating Disorders Association
  http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
• National Institute of Mental Health Information Center, NIH
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/index.cfm
• National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
  http://www.mhselfhelp.org/
• Nutrition.gov
  http://www.nutrition.gov/
• Weight-Control Information Network
  http://win.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm

Content last updated September 22, 2009.

Resources last updated September 22, 2009.

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