AM I SUFFERING FROM AN EATING DISORDER?
WHAT ARE EATING DISORDERS?
Eating disorders (ED) are complex mental health conditions, characterized by abnormal eating habits, representing critical psychological and physical impairment.
Eating disorders can be severe and are often chronic in nature, particularly if not addressed in a timely manner. A recent study of ED patients identified an average delay of 5.28 years between symptom onset and treatment-seeking.
COMMON EATING DISORDERS:
Eating disorders manifest in various ways, each with its distinct symptoms. The most common types are:
1. Anorexia Nervosa:
- Individuals with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight .
- They undergo extreme calorie restriction, excessive exercise to maintain their obsession with thinness.
- Signs include: severe weight loss, fatigue, dizziness and brittle bones.
2. Bulimia Nervosa:
- It involves cycles of over-eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
- They eat large amounts of food in a short period, feeling a lack of control during binges.
- They often engage in secretive or impulsive eating.
- Signs include: dental erosion, sore throat, and digestive issues, guilt and anxiety.
3. Binge-Eating Disorder:
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by ingesting comparably large amounts of food and experiencing loss of control over this behaviour.
- Unlike bulimia nervosa, there are no regular compensatory behaviors, which leads to weight gain and associated health problems.
- Individuals often eat quickly and beyond the point of fullness, experiencing feelings of shame and distress afterward.
- The worldwide prevalence is estimated to be 0.6–1.8% in adult women and 0.3–0.7% in adult men.
IS MY DIET AFFECTED DUE TO AN EATING DISORDER?
The causes of eating disorders are multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
1. Psychological Reasons: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and issues related to control are common psychological factors. People with eating disorders often struggle with self-worth and may use food and body image as a way to manage these feelings. Additionally, childhood trauma, anxiety, and depression can contribute to the development of eating disorders.
2. Cultural Reasons: Societal pressures and cultural attitudes towards body image and weight can influence eating behaviors. Media portrayals of idealized body types, peer pressure, and social expectations can contribute to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating patterns.
CAN A FAMILY HISTORY OF MENTAL ILLNESS CAUSE AN EATING DISORDER?
Individuals with a family history of eating disorders or other mental health illnesses are at a higher risk.
People suffering from imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, have their appetite and mood dysregulated. In dysfunctional families; food is often misused to relieve feelings of anxiety, shame, etc temporarily. The chemical imbalance, combined with genetics, can predispose a person to an eating disorder.
Individuals with EDs are at greater risk of suicide attempts, mortality, and poorer quality of life relative to both the general population and individuals with other psychiatric condition.
HOW CAN I DEAL WITH MY EATING DISORDER?
Effective treatment for eating disorders typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions. A healthcare provider will often assess and address any physical complications, such as malnutrition or obesity. A dietitian can help individuals develop a balanced eating plan and work towards restoring healthy eating habits.
Eating disorders respond very well to traditional therapy i.e. Talking therapy with a registered mental health professional. It addresses the physical and emotional aspects of eating, by resolving the underlying distorted thinking patterns and unhealthy behaviors, thus promoting a healthy relationship with food.
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms associated with eating disorders, mainly if there are co-occurring mental health conditions.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
Eating disorders are severe and multifaceted conditions that require comprehensive treatment and support. People living with eating disorders experience considerable burdens and impairments in the quality of life, as these disorders often go undetected and untreated.
Identification of risk factors for EDs offers an opportunity for health professionals to assist in distinguishing patterns of disordered eating even in the absence of any overt weight or dietary concerns.
Recognizing the symptoms early and understanding the underlying causes can aid in seeking appropriate help. With medical care, nutritional support, and psychological therapy, individuals can work towards recovery and improve their overall well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, reaching out to healthcare professionals and support networks can make a significant difference on the path to recovery.
RESOURCES:
1. https://books.google.ae/bookshl=en&lr=&id=ggMBDQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=eating+disorders&ots=8LZ_ZmlQ70&sig=WSWCfvuwOML9YSuWF9OtXkn2tU&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=eating%20disorders&f=false
2. Giel, K.E., Bulik, C.M., Fernandez-Aranda, F. et al. Binge eating disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers 8, 16 (2022).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-022-00344-y
3. Barakat, S., McLean, S.A., Bryant, E. et al. Risk factors for eating disorders: findings from a rapid review. J Eat Disord 11, 8 (2023).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00717-4
4. https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.psych.53.100901.135103
Written by:
Hana Noor,
Medically reviewed by:
Dr.Saba Munir, MBBS
On November 30, 2024
