Despite the name, there’s nothing “less serious” about atypical anorexia. In fact, the symptoms, medical complications, and psychological distress are often just as severe — but because it doesn’t look like the stereotype, many individuals go undiagnosed, invalidated, and untreated.

When most people hear the term “eating disorder,” they tend to picture extreme thinness or assume it’s all about food. But eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect people of all body sizes, genders, ages, and backgrounds — and they don’t all look the same.

Whether you’re a parent, provider, or someone seeking answers, it’s important to understand the different types of eating disorders. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward healing.