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exercise. Although symptoms of Bulimia are very similar to the Anorexia ones, individuals with bulimia usually maintain a relatively normal weight, rather than becoming underweight. Common symptoms of bulimia nervosa include (5): • frequents episodes of binge eating with a feeling of lack of control • subsequent episodes of purging behaviors to prevent weight gain • a self-esteem overly influenced by body shape and weight • a distress of gaining weight, despite having a normal weight Because the frequent vomiting, side effects of bulimia may include an inflamed throat, swollen salivary glands, worn tooth enamel, tooth decay, acid reflux, irritation of the gut, severe dehydration, and hormonal disturbances (6). In the worst cases, bulimia can also create a decompensation in electrolytes levels such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. This can evolve to a stroke or heart attack. 3. Binge eating disorder Binge eating disorder is currently the most diffuse disorder in United States (7). As Anorexia and Bulemia disorders, although it can develop later on, BED usually begins during adolescence and early adulthood. The symptoms are similar to the to those of bulimia or the binge eating subtype of anorexia. For instance, as for the other two disorders the lacking of control during a unusually large amounts of food ingurgitation in relatively short periods of time is a constant experience. Differently from Bulimia and second subtype of Anorexia, people with binge eating disorder do not feel the necessity to purge themselves with vomiting or excessive exercise, to compensate for their binges. Common symptoms of binge eating disorder include (8): • despite not feeling hungry, eating large amounts of foods rapidly, in secret and until uncomfortably full • Experiencing lack of control during BED • feelings of guilt, thinking back to the binge • No purging methods such as diuretics, laxatives, vomiting or over exercise are used to compensate the binge People with Binge Eating Disorder are often overweight or obese. The consequence is an increased risk of having heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes (9). 4. Pica Pica is another eating disorder that involves the ingestion of materials that are therefore not considered food. Pica sufferers ingest non-food substances, such as ice, dirt, earth, chalk, soap, paper, hair, cloth, wool, pebbles, laundry detergent, or cornstarch (10). Pica can occur at any age but is more common in children, pregnant women and people with mental disabilities (11). Those with Pica have an increased risk of poisoning, infections, intestinal injuries, and nutritional deficiencies. Depending on the substances ingested, pica can be fatal. However, in order for an individual to be considered affected by Pica, the substances ingested must not be ingested for any reason that may be religious, cultural, or socially accepted. 5. Rumination disorder Another eating disorder that has recently appeared on the panorama of eating disorders is the Rumination disorder. It is thus defined because the action performed by those affected by it simulates the dietary style of ruminants, that is, once the food has been chewed and ingested, the food itself is regurgitated and chewed again and re-swallowed or spat out. (12). This rumination is a voluntary gesture and is typically done within the first 30 minutes after a meal (13). This disorder can also develop in childhood as well as at an older age, but in newborns, it tends to disappear at an older age. If it is not resolved at the neonatal level, rumination disorder can cause weight loss and severe malnutrition that can lead to death. On the other hand, for children or adults therapy is usually needed to resolve it. Adults with this disorder can limit the amount of food they eat, especially in public. This can lead to weight loss and becoming underweight (14, 15). 6. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder ARFID, or avoidant / restrictive food intake disorder, is a new name for a disorder formerly known as "childhood and early childhood eating disorder". In the past, the diagnosis was reserved for children under the age of 7, but it was found that it can persist even into adulthood and that it can involve both men and women. Individuals with this disorder have no interest in food due to a distaste for certain smells, tastes, colors, textures or temperatures. Common symptoms of ARFID include (16): • • disinterest in food intake with consequent reduced caloric intake or reduced ingestion of sufficient nutrients • • eating habits that interfere with normal social functions, such as eating with others • • reduced weight or poor development in relation to age and height • • nutritional deficiencies or addiction to supplements or tube It is important to note that people is affected by ARFID when behaviours go beyond normal behaviors such as picky eating in young children or reduced food intake by the elderly. Furthermore, in order for an individual to be considered affected by ARFID, the substances avoided must not be avoided for religious, cultural or socially not accepted reasons. Other eating disorders Further to the six eating disorders mentioned above, there are also lesser known eating disorders. These generally fall into one of the following categories (17): • Disorder of elimination: People with this disorder use elimination behaviors to control their weight or shape, such as vomiting, laxatives, diuretics or excessive exercise. Either way, don't binge. • Night feeding syndrome: People with this syndrome overeat, often after waking from sleep. • Other Specific Eating or Eating Disorders (OSFED): Although not found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), any conditions that have symptoms similar to those of an eating disorder but do not fall into any of the above categories can be considered as such. One disorder that is currently categorized as OSFED is orthorexia. This disorder is increasingly mentioned in the media and reported in scientific studies, orthorexia has not yet been recognized as an eating disorder and is therefore still not included in the current DSM. People with orthorexia tend to over-focus on a diet that they deem healthy to an extent that it disrupts daily life. For example, those with orthorexia tend to eliminate entire food groups for fear that they are unhealthy, resulting in potential malnutrition, severe weight loss, difficulty eating out, and emotional distress. People with orthorexia are not affected by weight loss. Their self-esteem or satisfaction depends on how well they manage to adhere to their self-imposed dietary rules (17). Conclusion The overview we presented is intended to provide a better understanding of the most common eating disorders and dispel the legends about them. Eating disorders are mental health conditions that usually require treatment. They can also be dangerous to the body if left untreated. If you have an eating disorder or know someone who may have one, don't leave him alone but have him seek help from an eating disorder doctor.