Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOA) is the most common and dangerous eating disorder, according to NCBI, yet many people still have never heard of it. In the U.S., 24 million people suffer from an eating disorder, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, and up to 70 percent of all eating disorders fall under the EDNOS banner.
Symptoms of EDNOS include the same symptoms of other eating disorders. However, someone with EDNOS will not meet the criteria of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Those who suffer from EDNOS might show signs of a combination of disorders. For example, one might limit the amount of calories they take in during a day and also purge after a meal.
Many people are only aware of the most well-known eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, and think that if a person’s symptoms don’t meet the criteria for those disorders, then they do not have an eating disorder. This is a misconception and it is important for people to become educated about EDNOS to help prevent deaths. EDNOA has a mortality rate of 5.2 percent, making is the most dangerous eating disorder. Just because someone looks healthy, doesn’t mean that they aren’t suffering on the inside.
February 21-27th is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Think you might have an eating disorder? Take three minutes out of your day to take a confidential online screening for eating disorders to determine if you should seek professional help.
Click HERE to learn more about EDNOS on ABC News.
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