Types of eating disorders

CAIRO— 19 September 2017: An eating disorder could be a fatal illness, given the severe disturbances it causes to person’s eating behavior. Obsessions with food, body weight, and shape are indications of eating disorders.

Disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Anorexia: is a psychological eating disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight and refusing to eat. Women and men who suffer from anorexia nervosa tend to be fascinated by thin figures and abnormal eating patterns. Hence, they refer to self-starvation and lack of appetite.


Bulimia:is an emotional disorder somewhat similar to anorexia, although the obsession to trim one’s size manifests itself differently. The bulimic eats large meals and then fanatically tries to lose the calories through excessive vomiting or extreme exercise.


Binge-eating disorder: This is characterized as compulsive overeating or consuming abnormal amounts. It is eating, losing control, and not being able to stop. In addition to exhibiting depressive symptoms, those diagnosed with a binge-eating disorder tend to be prone to obesity.

What to do if you have an eating disorder in Egypt:

● Contact a good therapist

● If it becomes severe, you must see a psychiatrist
● Admittance to a rehab facility can occur in more critical cases

Unfortunately, awareness concerning eating disorders in Egypt is limited. Within more privileged circles, there is some understanding that the behavior associated with eating disorders is abnormal and should be treated. However, heightened efforts and awareness campaigns are critical.