Anorexia vs bulimia vs hyperphagia: what are the differences?

At Clinique A, we believe that better understanding eating disorders makes it possible to better recognize them... and to better care for them.

1. Anorexia nervosa: control through restriction

Anorexia nervosa is a disorder characterized by significant and voluntary dietary restriction, aimed at maintaining a very low body weight, well below what is expected for age, gender and height.

Distinctive signs:

• Intense fear of gaining weight, even if you are thin
• Very altered body image
• Eating rituals (cutting foods, eating very slowly, avoiding certain food groups)
• Possible compensatory behaviors (vomiting, fasting, excessive sport)

Weight : often very low, but some atypical cases (atypical anorexia) have a normal weight.

‍

2. Bulimia: the fight between loss of control and compensation

Bulimia is characterized by binge eating episodes (rapid and excessive ingestion of food in a short period of time), followed by behaviors intended to compensate this food intake and to avoid weight gain.

Distinctive signs:

• Food crises experienced with a feeling of loss of control
• Induced vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise
• Great emotional distress after crises (guilt, shame)
• Self-esteem strongly influenced by weight or appearance

Weight : usually within the norm, which makes the disease often invisible.

‍

3. Binge eating: eating without compensating

Binge eating disorder (or binge eating disorder) presents overeating attacks similar to those of bulimia, but without compensatory behaviors afterwards.

Distinctive signs:

• Regular seizures (at least once per week) with loss of control
• Fast food, in large quantities, even without hunger
• Feeling unwell or ashamed after the episodes
• Often linked to emotional suffering or emotional regulation via food

Weight : often overweight or obese, but this is not a diagnostic criterion.

‍

Why is it important to differentiate?

Because the Diagnosis influences treatment. Therapeutic approaches (psychotherapy, nutritional follow-up, medical support) are adapted to the specific form of the disorder.

It is also common for these disorders coexist or evolve over time : a person can move from one disorder to another, or present symptoms from several categories at the same time.

‍

In summary

Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating are different expressions of the same profound suffering. They all deserve to be taken seriously, regardless of the weight or the frequency of symptoms.

At Clinic A, we offer specialized and caring support to help each person regain a peaceful relationship with food, your body... and herself.