Eating Disorders
Eating is part of our daily life to survive, but surprisingly many suffer from eating disorders that we should know the cause and possible treatments.
Eating disorders are not just about the problem in foods, but it is a mental health condition. Hence, it needs medical attention and care from experts. As a nutritionist, I would like you to become familiar with these psychological conditions related to food. Some people may not know that they are already suffering from it. It may start as a food obsession, weight, or body shape.
How can it affect you?
It can become worse if it is already taking its toll on your health and quality of life. Also, severe cases may lead to death if left unattended. People suffering from eating disorders may experience different kinds of signs. The most common are serious food restrictions, binge eating, purging, and over-exercising.
Moreover, it may occur at any age and gender, but it is very common in adolescents and young women. According to statistics, 13 percent of youth may suffer at least one eating disorder before they reach the age of 20.
Possible Causes of Eating Disorders
Many experts believe that the cause of each disorder may differ because of several factors. One is heredity. It is according to the twin adoption study done with twins and two different families. It has been proven that eating disorders may run in the family. It shows that if one develops an eating disorder, there are 50% chances that the other will develop the disorder.
Another very obvious reason is a peer or social pressure to look good. Some cultures give praises to thin people. Also, eating disorders are very low in cultures that are not exposed to Western ideals that thinness is synonymous with beauty. Unfortunately, the ideal of thinness has been culturally accepted in different parts of the world.
Types of Eating Disorders
1. Anorexia Nervosa
It is the most popular type, and it may develop during the adolescent stage and affect more women than men. People with this condition see themselves are overweight even if they are underweight. Therefore, they tend to monitor their weight and restrict eating foods. As a result, they only eat very low calories every day.
2. Bulimia Nervosa
It is another popular eating problem that is very similar to the first one. Hence, it is common for adolescents up to early adulthood. However, men are less likely to develop this condition than women. However, the difference is that people with this condition eat a large amount of food during a specific time until the tummy is painfully full. During the binge eating period, a person cannot stop the urge to eat.
After eating a large amount of food, they result in purging behavior like restrictive diet, vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, and doing intense exercise.
3. Binge Eating
Binge eating is becoming a common problem in the United States. Hence, it starts during adolescence up to early adulthood. It has the same signs as those with bulimia. They eat a large amount of food for a short period without any control. However, the difference is that they do not do purging and do not restrict their calories.
4. Pica
It is a new eating disorder that involves eating things that are not edible. Therefore, people with pica always crave non-food items like dirt, soil, clay, mud, soap, chalk, wool, detergent, and more. It is common in adults and children as well. Unfortunately, it happens more often in children, pregnant women, and people with mental problems.
People suffering from pica can face death because of poisoning, infection, and gut problems. Also, they can develop a nutrient deficiency as they do not eat healthy, real foods.
5. Rumination
It is another very new eating disorder that shows regurgitation activity. People with this condition usually chew, and then swallow, re-chew food, and either re-chew the food again or spit it out. The condition starts 30 minutes right after eating.
6. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
It is a new name for an older disorder, “feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood.” Commonly, it happens in children under the age of 7 years old. Although it is common in children, it may continue until adulthood.
Effective Eating Disorder Treatment:
The best eating disorder treatment is a combination of healthy eating habits, psychological care, and medical treatment. Also, other may need to take medication to help them get back to their normal life. It is important to have a team of healthcare professionals to provide the right and best treatment plan for you.
A comprehensive treatment plan involves:
- It is important to have a meal plan or tailor-made diet plan to help you get back to a healthy weight and bring back lost nutrients.
- Stress management is important to have a positive mind. Changes will not happen overnight, so it is important to have a stress-free attitude towards food.
- Hospital care for patients with serious conditions. A healthcare provider will be with you during mealtime to ensure that you are eating enough. At home, family members should accompany you during mealtime.
- People with binge eating or bulimia need a weight management program to achieve ideal body weight.
Food is never our enemy. Our body needs to stay healthy. Always seek professional advice if you think that you are suffering from these eating disorders. Click here for more informative health tips.