Eating disorders are serious and complex mental health conditions that involve extreme preoccupation with food, weight, and body shape. Far from being a "lifestyle choice" or a phase, they are medical illnesses with the second highest mortality rate of any mental health condition, often leading to severe physical complications. Common Types of Eating Disorders
: Involves cycles of binge eating (consuming large amounts of food rapidly) followed by compensatory "purging" behaviors like self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative misuse. Mental Health Eating Disorders
: Characterized by severe restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Even when dangerously underweight, individuals may perceive themselves as overweight. Eating disorders are serious and complex mental health