Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are behavioral problems. They are characterized by severe and persistent disturbances in eating behaviors. These conditions include issues with your eating habits, food-related thinking, shape, and weight. 

These symptoms can have an impact on your health, emotions, and capacity to perform in key aspects of your life. If not treated properly, it can develop into long-term issues and, in rare circumstances, death.

Eating disorders include:

·       bulimia nervosa

·       anorexia nervosa

·       avoidant restrictive food intake disorder

·       binge-eating disorder

Other include specific feeding and eating disorders, rumination disorders, and pica.

What causes eating disorders?

The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. As with other mental health issues, there may be several causes, including:

·      Genetics- Some people may have genes that make them more likely to develop eating disorders.

·      Biology– Biological factors such as alterations in brain chemistry may contribute to eating problems.

·      Psychological– such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, or a history of trauma. All these can contribute to the development of these conditions.

Types of Eating Disorders

1.  Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is identified by weight loss and self-starvation leading to low weight for height and age. It carries a high mortality rate, second only to opioid use disorder, making it a severe condition. Individuals with anorexia typically exhibit a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 in adulthood.

People with anorexia commonly exhibit the following symptoms and behaviors:

·      Excessive weight loss

·      Excessive exercise

·      Resistance to maintaining a healthy weight.

·      Avoiding mealtimes and eating in front of others.

·      Obsession with calorie counting, eating, dieting, etc.

·      Denying that excessive thinness is a concern.

·      Making remarks about being “fat”

·      Wearing thick, loose garments to conceal weight loss.

Dieting behaviors in anorexia are driven by an intense fear of weight gain. Some may express a desire to gain weight. However, their actions contradict this intent. They often consume small amounts of low-calorie foods. They also engage in excessive exercise.

Anorexia nervosa comprises two subtypes:

·      Restricting type– where weight loss primarily results from dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise.

·      Binge-eating/purging type– where individuals also engage in intermittent binge-eating and/or purging behaviors.

2.  Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating. This is often followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. These behaviors may include: 

·      excessive exercise

·      self-induced vomiting

·      misuse of laxatives

Unlike anorexia, those with this condition often maintain a relatively normal weight. They also exhibit the following symptoms and behaviors:

·       Frequent episodes of binge-eating.

·       Compensatory behaviors to rid the body of calories.

·       Preoccupation with body weight and shape.

·       Fear of gaining weight.

3.  Binge-Eating Disorder

People with binge-eating disorder, like those with bulimia nervosa, have bouts of binge-eating. They consume huge amounts of food in a short period. They feel out of control over their eating and are distressed by the binge behavior. 

Unlike persons with bulimia nervosa, they do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as:

·      Vomiting

·      Fasting

·      Exercise

·      laxative abuse

The following are all major health consequences associated with binge-eating:

·      Obesity

·      Diabetes

·      Hypertension

·      cardiovascular disease 

4.  Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by severely limited eating. Another characteristic includes the refusal to consume certain foods. These actions often fail to meet essential nutritional needs. This can impact growth, development, and daily functioning. 

Unlike other eating disorders, individuals with ARFID are not focused on weight or body size. Instead, they may avoid certain foods based on color, texture, smell, or taste. Some individuals may be worried about potential issues during eating, such as:

·      fear of vomiting

·      choking

·      developing gastrointestinal problems

When to Seek Medical Assistance

Overcoming or managing an eating disorder on your own can be challenging. Seeking treatment early increases the likelihood of a full recovery. 

Some individuals may exhibit problematic eating behaviors that resemble certain eating disorder symptoms. However, they do not meet the diagnostic criteria. Despite this, these behaviors can still significantly impact health and well-being.

Seek medical assistance if:

·      You experience distress due to problematic eating behaviors.

·      You suspect you have an eating disorder. 

Early intervention is key to addressing these concerns and promoting overall well-being.