most underrated eating disorders

While many people are familiar with more widely-publicized eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, there are several lesser-known but equally serious eating disorders that often go unnoticed. These underrated eating disorders can have significant physical and psychological impacts on those who suffer from them.

One such disorder is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which is characterized by an extreme avoidance of certain foods or food groups, leading to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns but rather by a profound aversion to the sensory characteristics of food or a fear of adverse consequences from eating. Another underrecognized eating disorder is Orthorexia Nervosa, an obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy, to the point where it becomes detrimental to overall well-being. Orthorexia can lead to severe nutritional imbalances and interfere with daily functioning. Additionally, Binge Eating Disorder (BED), although more commonly known, still lacks the attention it deserves compared to other eating disorders. BED involves episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress. Unlike bulimia, there are no compensatory behaviors such as purging, which can lead to significant weight gain and associated health issues. These disorders, though less publicized, require awareness and appropriate treatment to ensure those affected can achieve a path to recovery.