Bulimia is characterized by a cycle of binging and purging. The individual may also use laxatives, diuretics, or excessive exercise and have periods of fasting to compensate for binge episodes. Signs include the disappearance of large amounts of food in a short amount of time, frequent trips to the bathroom (especially after meals), skipping meals, fear of eating in public, stained teeth, wearing baggy clothes, frequently on a diet, and extreme mood swings. Physical symptoms include fluctuation in weight and muscle weakness, although they may appear at a “normal” weight. Additionally, they often engage in self-harm, substance use, and other impulsive behaviors.

Orthorexia is defined by an obsession with “healthy living.” This fixation on health is characterized by the compulsive checking of ingredients and calorie content of food, the elimination of certain food groups completely (like sugar, carbohydrates, and gluten), and the inability to eat anything labeled as “unhealthy” as well as high levels of distress when safe foods are not available and an obsession with a healthy lifestyle. Long term, this condition can lead to cardiac and gastrointestinal issues.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent consumption of large quantities of food, a sense of control loss, intense experiences of shame and guilt, and a lack of compensatory behaviors (like exercise, laxatives, and purging). Some warning signs include withdrawal from friends and pleasurable activities, frequent dieting, stealing/hoarding food, eating alone, fluctuations in weight, and low self-esteem.