As per the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 out of 5 females struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating. Even though women are the very likely ones who are seriously affected, men equally suffer from this illness. It typically happens in the teenage years, mainly in a quest for a body physique or weight.

What exactly is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a real and major problem. It's described by significant changes in eating behavior, which includes extreme decrease in food intake or too much gorging. There are two primary forms of eating disorders, namely anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; other types are incorporated into a category called "eating disorders not otherwise specified" (EDNOS). But let’s put our attention on the two major types.

Anorexia nervosa – such type of eating disorder is characterized by constant need for thinness and disinclination of gaining weight. Those who have this specific sickness look at themselves as "fat" although the truth is they are really skinny and malnourished.

Signs and symptoms:

-Concern of putting on the weight

-Lack of the monthly period

-Performance of weight loss by intensive dieting and over-exercising or self-induced vomiting, laxative, diuretic, and enema misuse

-Has altered body image

Physical symptoms involve growth of fine hair throughout the body, brittle hair and nails, yellowish and dry skin, muscle loss and weakness

Some famous personalities who lived with this disorder are American socialite Nicole Richie, popular singer Karen Carpenter, and actress Mary-Kate Olsen.

Bulimia nervosa – this kind of disordered eating is recognized by frequently ingesting large amounts of foods immediately followed by purging or self-induced vomiting to make up for the overeating.

Signs and symptoms:

-Uncontrolled-eating (excessive consumption of substantial quantities of meals accompanied with a sense of loss of control over eating)

-Purging (performance of intense activities to lose weight like extreme workout, going on a fast, or self-induced throwing up)

-Extreme concern with weight gain

-Feeling of disappointment towards body shape and weight

Physical symptoms comprise of chronic sore throat, dental complications, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and extreme dehydration from loss of essential fluids.

Famous people who've suffered from this serious issue included Spice Girls’ "Ginger Spice" Geri Halliwell, American Idol judge Paula Abdul, and Katy Perry’s fiancé, Russell Brand.

By today, the most effective remedy against these disorders is the combination of pharmacological and psychological approaches such as the utilization of antidepressants and psychotherapy. Though researches have been developed to determine the exact causes and treatments to address this illness, it must be recognized that eating disorders are real, are treatable, and above all, are remarkably avoidable.