Eating disorders.

Eating disorders constitute a heterogeneous set of mental illnesses characterized by the persistent presence of an altered eating behavior that negatively impacts the nutritional, physical health, and psychosocial status of the affected individuals. The etiology is multifactorial, with potentially serious clinical implications. Their presentation is variable depending on the specific type of disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder), symptoms, illness duration, and severity. In anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, symptoms and complications arise from malnutrition due to restrictive intake and purgative behaviors, respectively. In patients with binge eating disorder, where excess weight is common, there is a risk of developing metabolic syndrome and obesity-related diseases. Treatment is multidisciplinary, comprising psychological/psychiatric, nutritional intervention, and management of intercurrent organic complications.