What's The Difference Between Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder? The Answer Might Surprise You!
By Katherine Metzelaar, MSN, RDN, CD and Lindsay Hodgson, MSN
The topic of eating disorders can be new, unfamiliar, and overwhelming. You may not have had an eating disorder yourself or experienced a loved one with an eating disorder. But, chances are good that you’ve seen media representations of eating disorders.
Despite the high prevalence of eating disorders, they are still quite taboo. An estimated 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S. will develop an ED in their lifetime. This leaves people who are facing them feeling unsure about when or how to seek help. Thus, making it difficult for friends and family to know how to support their loved ones in recovery.
No amount of eating disorder knowledge can be an end-all cure. But, knowing more can make you feel more comfortable, empowered, and well equipped. Some people find relief and validation as they learn more about eating disorders. Knowing more helps cultivate empathy for those in your life suffering from eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder are three of the most common eating disorders. Binge eating disorder is the most prevalent of all eating disorders. But, there’s some confusion about how to know the differences between the three. There is an overlap of behaviors between each eating disorder.
The Differences: A brief overview (Click on the image below to download)
Generally, anorexia and bulimia are different. Anorexia is characterized by food and/or calorie restriction as a means to control body size. Bulimia is known for food behaviors consisting of a binge-purge cycle to control food intake. Binge eating disorder is characterized by periods of binges (usually lacking purging behaviors). But, what’s hard about eating disorders is that we think of them as organized and falling into neat categories. Yet, they usually don’t.
In reality, there’s a tremendous amount of overlap from one eating disorder to another.
Eating disorders exist on a spectrum. One end includes less serious behaviors occurring less frequently. The opposite end has more serious, frequent eating disorder behaviors. The disorders and behaviors associated with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder diagnostic criteria often account for behaviors further down on the spectrum. As a result, this excludes lots of people who are still suffering from these eating disorders. In fact, lacking a diagnosis may keep some from seeking help to address their behaviors. Thus, causing them to spiral further than they would have if they were recognized as “sick enough.”
Eating disorders also shape-shift and overlap. This is an important one! The truth is that they have many more similarities than differences. There are many eating disorder behaviors, signs, and symptoms that commonly exist. And, there are some differences. Here are the similarities:
signs and symptoms of Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder That Are The Same
Feelings of body dissatisfaction or shame
Avoids social events or gatherings and/or discomfort eating around others
Skips meals
Engages in regimented physical activity to “burn off” calories
Uses body checking behaviors (ie bathroom scale, mirrors, tape measures, etc)
Frequently diets
Weight changes (though not always)
Complains of cold body temperature
Fatigue
Irregular periods
A lack of hunger/satiety signals
Makes comments about their or others’ food and/or body size
Fear of weight gain
Thinking about food again and again
Fraught feelings associated with food. This may include anxiety, fear, shame, “broken,” loss of control, as though food is the enemy, and more
There are differences between anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder treatment. But, you do not need to identify with or fit into an eating disorder category to seek support. Any of these behaviors, experiences, and symptoms can take a huge toll on your well-being. You are worthy of support no matter how your eating disorder behaviors show up in your life. But it’s hard to know where to begin!
How Do I know if outpatient or inpatient eating disorder treatment in Seattle, WA is right for me?
Even though you know there is a problem, it’s hard to know where to start. You or a loved one may receive a diagnosis with an eating disorder. Or, you may know that there has been some disordered eating going on for some time. So, you’re wondering, how do I know what kind of eating disorder recovery is right for me? Here are some ways to determine if outpatient eating disorder treatment is right for you:
You must be medically stable. This includes, but is not limited to, having a stable heart rate, stable weight, stable blood pressure, and not having signs of undernourishment. Your clinician may request that you get an assessment from a doctor. Together, you can determine that you are medically fit for outpatient work.
A higher degree of motivation. On average you will see your dietitian one time per week. This means that between sessions you will need to be doing lots of recovery work on your own. This is much different from higher levels of eating disorder treatment.
Ability to control compulsive and/or obsessive exercising behaviors and/or eating disorder behaviors.
Can manage your own meals and have a willingness to increase flexibility with food behaviors and eating disorder rituals.
There are many ways in which people arrive at outpatient eating disorder recovery. Some people may step down from higher levels of eating disorder care. Others may start with outpatient work. Some may have done eating disorder recovery work in the past. But, they have a re-occurrence of eating disorder behaviors and need extra support. Others have had an untreated eating disorder when they were younger and are finally ready to get the support that they need after years of suffering from disordered eating. No matter how you get to this work, trust that your dietitian. They will be able to guide you in knowing if outpatient eating disorder work is the right fit for you.
Our approach to eating disorder treatment in Seattle, WA
It can be scary to begin outpatient treatment with a dietitian. It’s normal to feel apprehensive, worried, and unsure about now is the right time and/or if you deserve treatment. At Bravespace Nutrition, we take a client-centered approach. This means that we meet you exactly where you are right now and help guide you toward your goals at your own pace. We do specialize in helping people to recover from eating disorders. But, also we believe that everyone that is struggling with their relationship to food and their body deserves support.
As clinicians we help you:
Challenge your food rules
Challenge your food fears/beliefs
Feel less anxiety around food
Feel comfortable and at ease eating out
Eliminate the eating disorder behaviors
Feel more energy creating a more appreciative and compassionate relationship with your body, and long-term move closer toward recovery from the eating disorder.
References: What are Eating Disorders? NEDA. Accessed August 10, 2021
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Begin Eating Disorder Treatment in Seattle, WA
Overcoming an eating disorder be difficult, and even feel impossible at times. But, the caring dietitians from our Seattle, WA-based counseling practice are trained to help you to create a better relationship with food. To start eating disorder treatment in Seattle, WA, please follow these simple steps:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation by clicking the button below.
Meet with a caring dietitian.
Start your recovery journey, and improve your relationship with food!
Do you suspect you or a loved one has an eating disorder?
The caring dietitians from our Seattle, WA-based nutrition counseling practice would be honored to help you recover from the eating disorder. We offer a variety of services including support for eating disorders, body image, intuitive eating, Bulimia treatment, Anorexia treatment, and chronic dieting. We also offer a body image support group. For more information, please feel free to visit our blog, FAQ, resources page, or contact us now!