What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a complicated mental health condition. It is shown by having abnormal eating habits and being obsessed with calorie counting and weight. An eating disorder can have an extremely bad impact on your body and mental wellbeing and need to be treated as soon as possible.
Most people thing that you have to be diagnosed with an eating disorder to have one, however this is not the case, an eating disorder means you have a tough relationship with food, weather you’ve been diagnosed or not.
Who can experience an eating disorder?
Eating disorders can affect individuals of any age, gender, or background, and they are not limited to a specific group of people. However, eating disorders can be common in teenagers. Several factors can contribute to teenagers developing an eating disorder. The main one being Body image concerns. usually, teens have an unrealistic goal they want to achieve for their body image due to social media. So, when their diets aren’t working, they may develop an eating disorder.
Eating disorders can affect anyone of any age, gender, or background. Eating disorders are not limited to a specific person. However, teenagers are at an increased risk of developing eating disorders due to many different factors this could include genetic factors, hormonal factors, and social pressure.
What is bulimia like?
When people suffer from bulimia, they experience a serious eating disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of overeating, followed by unhealthy behaviours to make themselves feel better for overeating.
These behaviours often include:
- Binge eating: People with bulimia have episodes of overeating and feeling bad about it, often in a short amount of time due to the fact they feel as if they have lost control over their eating.
- Purging: After a binge episode, people with bulimia may engage in purging behaviours to rid their bodies of the calories they consumed. Common purging methods include vomiting, use of laxatives, or excessive exercise.
- Psychological impact: bulimia can cause loads of phycological problems, this includes depression and anxiety. It can also affect the way you view life.
- Social Isolation: People with bulimia may withdraw from social activities or situations involving food to hide their disorder. They may also feel embarrassed about their eating habits.
- Weight issues: Unlike anorexia, where the weight stays very low, however, if your bulimic, your weight will constantly go up and down. This can make it hard to recognise that someone may be bulimic due to their appearance.
someone experience bulimia, they may feel:
- Guilt and Shame: Feeling guilty, shameful, and embarrassed are common for people with bulimia. They may feel ashamed for their eating habits and are scared of telling their secret.
- Anxiety and Depression: Bulimia is often accompanied by having anxiety or feeling depressed. Constantly binging and purging, along with being emotionally distressed will contribute to these mental health issues.
- Obsession with Food and Body Image: People with bulimia are constantly thinking about food, calorie counting, dieting and their body image. This can be emotionally distressing and can be all-consuming.
- Low Self-Esteem: Having low self-esteem and a negative body image are common for those with bulimia. They will often harshly judge themselves based on their appearance and eating behaviours.
- Physical Discomfort: Constantly being sick and other purging habits can often lead to having stomach pains and a sore throat, this often leads to being uncomfortable.
What’s a binge eating disorder?
A binge eating disorder is characterised by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control overeating. people with BED typically eat rapidly and to the point of discomfort, even when they are not physically hungry. Unlike other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, individuals with BED do not regularly engage in compensatory behaviours like vomiting or excessive exercise to counteract their binge episodes.
Having a binge eating disorder is often shown by constant episodes of overeating in a short period of time, this cam make people feel as if they have lost control of over eating. People with BED
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a feeding and eating disorder characterised by extremely selective eating habits, limited food preferences, and a restricted range of food intake. Individuals with ARFID often have a limited variety of foods they are willing to eat and may avoid certain textures, colours, smells, or tastes. This disorder is not related to concerns about body weight or shape, as is the case with anorexia or bulimia.
What is an “other specified feeding and eating disorder”
OSFED is a classification for individuals who have significant eating related concerns that do not meet the specific criteria for an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia. Instead, OSFED encompasses a range of symptoms and behaviours related to eating and body image that are clinically significant but may not fit the exact criteria for a more established eating disorder. This category allows healthcare professionals to diagnose and provide appropriate treatment for individuals who experience eating problems, even if their symptoms do not align with the criteria for other eating disorders.
What is pica?
Pica is a type of eating disorder, characterised by consuming non-food substances. These substances can include things like dirt, clay, chalk, paper, soap, ice, metal, or even hair. Pica is most observed in children, pregnant women, and individuals with developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, but it can affect people of all ages.
Benefits of getting a therapist if you have an eating disorder.
Getting a therapist if you have an eating disorder can provide numerous benefits. Here are some of the advantages:
- Professional Guidance
- Emotional Support
- They will help you identify triggers.
- You can develop Coping strategies.
- It can improve self-esteem.
Remember that seeking help for an eating disorder is a crucial step towards recovery. It’s essential to consult with a therapist or a doctor to receive the appropriate treatment and support for your condition.