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. These disorders, if not addressed on time, can become severe and often chronic, with a long-term impact on health.
A 2023 study 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. 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.
3. 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.
WHAT CAUSES 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 body shaming can contribute to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating patterns. Hence it's important to have sufficient self-awareness and confidence to combat all the unnecessary information from social media.
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 of developing eating disorders.
In dysfunctional families, food is often misused to relieve feelings of anxiety, shame, etc. This misuse, combined with a predisposition due to genetic and physiological factors, can lead to the development of an eating disorder. It's crucial to recognize the impact of family dynamics on the risk factors for eating disorders. Individuals with EDs are at a greater risk of suicide attempts, mortality, and poorer quality of life as compared to the general population.
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’s suggestion 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, stress and anxiety thus promoting a healthy relationship with food along with building resilience and emotional intelligence.
- In some cases, medications may be prescribed by a mental health expert 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. While eating disorders are more commonly associated with women, it's important to note that they can affect men as well. However, due to stigma and societal expectations, men may be less likely to seek support for these conditions.
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 care about is struggling to discuss mental health issues related to an eating disorder, reaching out to healthcare professionals can greatly aid in the recovery process. They can help you open up about your mental health challenges and provide the support you need.
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
5. Barakat S, McLean SA, Bryant E, Le A, Marks P; National Eating Disorder Research Consortium; Touyz S, Maguire S. Risk factors for eating disorders: findings from a rapid review. J Eat Disord. 2023 Jan 17;11(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s40337-022-00717-4. PMID: 36650572; PMCID: PMC9847054.
Written by:
Hana Noor,
Medically reviewed by:
Dr.Saba Munir, MBBS
On November 30, 2024
