Final answer:
Anorexia nervosa is marked by extreme food restriction and weight loss, bulimia nervosa is characterized by bingeing and purging behaviors, and binge-eating disorder involves overeating without compensatory behaviors, leading to potential obesity and associated health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Features of Three Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are three major types of eating disorders, each with its distinct characteristics and health risks.
Anorexia Nervosa
Individuals with anorexia nervosa restrict their food intake to the point of starvation and are characteristically underweight. They typically have a distorted body image and may see themselves as overweight despite being significantly underweight. The consequences of anorexia include bone loss, heart and kidney failure, amenorrhea, and psychological problems such as anxiety and mood disorders.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging to avoid weight gain. The purging may involve vomiting, use of laxatives, or excessive exercise. This disorder can result in electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to irregular heart rhythms and other severe health issues.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating without purging, causing feelings of guilt or distress. Individuals with binge-eating disorder are often overweight or obese, which increases their risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.