Introduction to Eating Disorders By Evelyn Attia, MD, Columbia University Medical Center; B Timothy Walsh, MD, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Reviewed / Revised Jul 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Eating disorders involve a persistent disturbance of eating or of behavior related to eating that Alters consumption or absorption of food Significantly impairs physical health and / or psychosocial functioning Specific eating disorders include Anorexia nervosa Avoidant / restrictive food intake disorder Binge eating disorder Bulimia nervosa Pica Rumination disorder Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a relentless pursuit of thinness, a morbid fear of obesity, a distorted body image, and restriction of intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly low body weight to the point where health is harmed.