They may also experience an irregular heartbeat or have irregular menstrual periods. Bulimics tend to experience poor impulse control. The third type of eating disorders is the binge eating disorder. This person may eat a lot of food in a short time without purging afterwards, and they may eat three meals each day plus frequent snacks. This person may not consume large amounts of food during binges but rather overeat constantly throughout the day.
Successful treatment can save the life of someone with an eating disorder.
Treatment usually includes a combination of psychological counseling, behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, and gradually working toward an ideal weight. Other types of treatment that can help people with an eating disorder can include weight training, massage therapy, and the use of medications. The complications of eating disorders also need to be treated, such as low levels of calcium and estrogen that can lead to osteoporosis. All people with eating disorders should be cared for by a team of providers. The coalition provides educational resources for schools, health professionals, community organizations, and individuals interested in learning more about prevention, assessment, and treatment of eating disorders.