The opposite of anorexia nervosa is typically considered to be binge eating disorder (BED) or compulsive overeating. Both anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder are classified as eating disorders, but they involve different patterns of disordered eating behaviors.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight, leading to severe food restriction, often resulting in significant weight loss. Individuals with anorexia may have a distorted body image and may see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight.
On the other hand, binge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control during the binge. Unlike bulimia nervosa, people with binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviors like purging or excessive exercise to "make up" for the binge.
Both anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder can have serious physical and psychological consequences. It's important to note that eating disorders are complex conditions, and individuals may not fit neatly into one specific category. There are also other types of eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa, which involve a combination of binge eating and compensatory behaviors like purging.
If you or someone you know is struggling with any type of eating disorder, seeking professional help from a medical or mental health expert is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Eating disorders can be life-threatening, but with early intervention and appropriate care, recovery is possible.