Eating disorders and healthy lifestyle choices are not the same thing.

An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that involves abnormal eating behaviors that negatively affect a person's physical or mental health. Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, and they can be very difficult to overcome.

There are many different types of eating disorders, but some of the most common include:
Anorexia nervosa: This is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, leading to dangerously low weight. People with anorexia may also have a distorted body image, believing that they are overweight even when they are underweight.
Bulimia nervosa: This is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating, followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use. People with bulimia may also have a distorted body image.
Binge eating disorder: This is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating, without purging behaviors. People with binge eating disorder may feel out of control during their binges and may eat large amounts of food very quickly.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): This is an eating disorder characterized by a persistent avoidance of food or certain types of food, leading to weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. People with ARFID may also have sensory sensitivities to food or fear of choking.

Eating disorders can have serious physical and mental health consequences, including:
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Bone loss
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts

If you think you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. There are many effective treatments available, and recovery is possible.

Here are some resources that can help:
- National Eating Disorders Association: 1-800-931-2237
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: 1-630-577-1330
- Eating Disorders Coalition: https://nationaleatingdisorders.org
- National Eating Disorders Information Centre (Canada): 1-866-633-4220

You are not alone. There is help available.