What are the three predominant eating disorders?

The three predominant eating disorders are recognized as Binge Eating, Anorexia Nervosa, and Bulimia. Each of these disorders has distinct characteristics:

Binge Eating is characterized by recurring episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control. This disorder can result in feelings of distress, shame, and guilt, and it is the most common eating disorder in the United States.

Anorexia Nervosa is defined by the extreme restriction of food intake leading to significant weight loss and a distorted body image. Individuals with this disorder often have an intense fear of gaining weight, which drives them to maintain an abnormally low weight.

Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, which may include vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting in an effort to prevent weight gain. This disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with body shape and weight.

While the Female Athlete Triad and obesity are important considerations in the realm of eating and nutrition, they are not classified as primary eating disorders. The Female Athlete Triad describes a specific condition involving disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis often seen in physically active women, but it is not as widely recognized as a standalone eating disorder on par with the other three.