What are eating disorders?
An eating disorder is a complicated mental health condition. It is shown by unusual eating habits. eating disorders can have a huge impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing, if they’ve been left untreated.
Why do people suffer from eating disorders?
People suffer from eating disorders for many different reasons, it is important to understand, that eating disorders are due to a number of factors.
These are some of the most common causes:
- genetics: there has been evidence showing that genetics can play a huge role in developing an eating disorder.
if you’ve had a family history of eating disorders, you may be at higher risk.
- Psychological: it is common that if you’ve gone through trauma, low self-esteem, depression or anxiety, that you may develop an eating disorder as a way of controlling something in your life.
- Social Influence: feeling pressured by peers or social media, television, magazines to have a curtain body type and fit into a curtain beauty standard can often lead to eating disorders.
- Biological Factors: Some individuals may have imbalances of certain types of hormones that can contribute to the development of eating disorders. For example, imbalances in serotonin or dopamine may play a role in regulating mood and appetite.
- Dieting: dieting and attempts to lose weight can lead to having an obsession over your body image and weight, and this can lead to developing an eating disorder.
- Family Dynamics: Dysfunctional family dynamics, such as excessive emphasis on appearance or control issues, can contribute to the development of eating disorders in some cases.
Perfectionism: perfectionists could be more prone to developing eating disorders, they wish for an unrealistic level of control over their bodies and eating habits.
Here are some signs to look out for:
Changes in Eating Habits:
- Anorexia: avoiding certain foods, restricting the amount of food you may eat, and eating very small portions.
- Bulimia: eating large amounts of food, followed by guilt and this leads to purging, and weight going up and down.
- Binge-eating: eating a large amount of food in a very short period of time, with out purging. This usually leads to unhealthy weight gain.
- Weight Fluctuations:
- Rapid weight loss or gain without a clear medical explanation.
- obsession with Weight and Body Image:
- Frequent discussions or complaints about weight, body size, or shape.
- Frequent checking of the body in the mirror or expressing dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.
- Social Withdrawal:
- Avoiding social situations, especially those involving food.
- Becoming increasingly isolated from friends and family.
- Emotional and Behavioural Signs:
- Irritability, mood swings, or increased anxiety and depression.
- Obsessing over food intake, calorie counting and dieting.
- Having an extreme focus on exercise and keeping fit even if your unwell or injured.
- Physical Symptoms:
- Dizziness, fatigue, and weakness.
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded.
- Noticeable fluctuations in body temperature (feeling excessively cold).
- Thinning hair, brittle nails, and dry skin.
- Irregular menstrual cycles in females.
- Denial and Secrecy:
- Often, individuals with eating disorders may deny or downplay their problem and try to keep their behaviours a secret.
- Hiding Food:
- Hiding or hoarding food, especially high-calorie or binge-inducing items.
It is important to understand that note that anyone with an eating disorder will show all of their signs and symptoms differently. If you feel that a loved one could be struggling, it is best to approach them with empathy and encouragement to get help.
There are a number of different types of eating disorders, such as:
- Anorexia nervosa: People with anorexia nervosa have a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight they often have dangerously low amounts of food. And this leads to severe weight loss.
- Bulimia nervosa: people with bulimia overeat (binge eating) followed by forced vomiting and excessive exercise, or laxative use to rid the body of the consumed calories.
- Binge-eating disorder: This disorder involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, where a person consumes large amounts of food in a short period of time and feels a lack of control during these episodes. Unlike bulimia, individuals with binge-eating disorder do not regularly engage in purging behaviours.
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: ARFID is shown by limited food choices and an avoidance of certain foods or textures.
It is not caused by body image concerns, but it can be by sensory issues.
It’s important to understand that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that need professional treatment.