Types of Eating DisordersWhen we think of an eating disorder we automatically think of Anorexia and Bulimia. Actually there are several other eating disorders that are plaguing people worldwide. The term "eating disorder" can be defined as an compulsion to eat or to avoid eating.

Anorexia Nervosa - Everyone is familiar with this type of eating disorder. The Greek term "anorexia" means an "lack of appetite". People suffering from anorexia have a low body weight and an distorted image of their body. Their biggest fear is gaining weight, which is why they starve themselves and vomit after meals. Their obsessed over their weight which is why most anorexia patients, take diet pills and they exercise obsessively.

Bulimia Nervosa- Bulimia is slightly different from anorexia. A person with bulimia consumes a lot of food in a short amount of time which is also called binge eating. After eating all this food they fat, guilty and ashamed so they purge to get rid of it all. They get rid of the food by:

Taking laxatives to remove the food from their body through bowel movements

Some take water pills to urinate.

They vomit or purge.

Sometimes they even avoid eating for days, utterly starving themselves.

Anorexia Athletica- This can also be referred to as compulsive exercise disorder. A person with anorexia athletica feels obligated to work out and exercise beyond the requirement for an healthy life. They miss out on activities, school, work and even feel guilty when they miss an workout. Their whole life revolves around dieting, and exercising.

Night Eating- Night eating is one of the biggest eating disorders in the U.S. Six million Americans suffer from night eating syndrome. This is an newly identified eating disorder in which a person consumes more than their daily calorie intake at night. Thirty - three percent of Americans with night eating syndrome are morbidly obese.

Over Eating- Over eating which can also be characterized as an "addiction" to food is an disorder in which people consume thousands of calories at a time. Food is used to hide their motions and provide comfort from their problems.

Orthorexia- Orthorexia is an eating disorder unknown to many. It refers to an fixation on eating all the proper food. The disorder begins with an innocent desire to eat healthy in order to improve your health and weight. Overtime what they eat, how much they eat and dietary indiscretion becomes the biggest concern of their day.

Sleep Eating Disorders- Sufferers an sleep eating disorder often sleep walks during which they binge eat. They consume lots of fatty foods and sweets. In the morning they don't remember these episodes.

There are all types of eating disorders. If you feel that you might be suffering from one but don't have all of the symptoms described for some of the disorders mentioned you should go see a doctor to be properly diagnosed. You may have a disorder that has not yet been specified.