F50-F59: Behavioural syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors

F50: Eating disorders

Eating disorders (F50) consist of a group of conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits that negatively affect a person's physical or mental health. These disorders can involve either insufficient or excessive food intake, leading to the detriment of an individual's well-being. They are generally classed into conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is typified by self-starvation and extreme weight loss. Bulimia nervosa involves recurring episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, like self-induced vomiting. Binge-eating disorder is characterized by frequent overeating without subsequent purging. Eating disorders often stem from a mix of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. They can lead to a variety of symptoms, including drastic changes in body weight, fear of gaining weight, obsession with body size and shape, irregular periods (in females), depression or anxiety, and other physical health problems. Over time, these disorders can seriously impair the body's ability to function, affecting various systems like the heart, digestive system, bones, and teeth.