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Eating Disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Eating disorders are severe medical issues that impact emotional and physical health and can be life-threatening. People of any age, gender, body weight, shape, or size can suffer from eating disorders. These disorders are marked by unhealthy relationships with food, weight, and body image.
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Get A Second OpinionTypes of Eating Disorders
There are various types of eating problems, and some people may suffer from multiple types of eating disorders. These include:
Anorexia nervosa
People suffering from anorexia nervosa severely restrict their food and calories, sometimes starving. Anorexia can affect people of any size. It can be identified by an obsession with weight loss and a refusal to eat enough food for the body type and level of exercise.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa sufferers binge or overeat, or believe they had, during a short period of time. After that, they might force themselves to get rid of the calories in some other way, like vomiting, using laxatives, or indulging in excessive exercise.
Binge eating disorder (BED)
- A person with a binge eating disorder shows a loss of control over their eating. They consume a lot of food quickly, or they think they ate.
- However, they don't vomit food or burn off calories through exercise after binge eating. Instead, they experience uncomfortable fullness and could battle despair, regret, or guilt.
What are the causes of eating disorders?
Although the exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, researchers believe it is a combination of psychological, environmental, and biological factors.
Psychological factors
Low self-esteem and a poor bodily image
Environmental factors
Dysfunctional families, sports that emphasize a lean body for improved performance, childhood trauma, peer pressure, and stressful life events
Biological factors
Genetics, irregular hormone functions, nutritional deficiencies.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Those who have eating disorders exhibit a lot of warning signs and symptoms, such as:
- Constant weight fluctuation
- Ritualistic eating practices, such as eating alone, hiding food, and chopping food into tiny pieces, are practiced.
- Being lethargic or depressed
- alternating between periods of feasting and fasting
- Despite being severely underweight, chronic dieting
- Obsessed with food fat content and calories
- Fixated on recipes and cooking, they may create elaborate meals for others yet refuse to eat them.
- Isolation and withdrawal; avoiding social gatherings and meeting friends and relatives
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Book an AppointmentHow Eating Disorder is Diagnosed?
To diagnose an eating disorder, the doctor will perform a physical check to determine whether a medical condition is causing any eating disorders. The doctor can also conduct a comprehensive psychological evaluation, which may include self-assessment questionnaires.
Complications of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are the second most fatal psychiatric condition, after only opioid use disorder, in terms of fatality. Extreme calorie restriction, vomiting, or extreme exercise can all severely impact overall health. Untreated eating disorders put people at risk for serious issues such as:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)
- Arrhythmia, heart failure, and other heart problems
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Stopped menstrual cycles (amenorrhea) and infertility
- Osteoporosis and tooth damage
- Organ failure and brain damage
- Stroke
- Severe dehydration and constipation
How are Eating Disorders Treated?
A complete treatment strategy is required to heal and recover from eating disorders. A treatment plan usually includes the following components:
Nutrition
This includes guidance on eating properly, recovering and stabilizing weight, and developing a personalized meal plan that provides ideal nourishment.
Medical care and monitoring
The main aim of eating disorder treatment is to address any health issues resulting from eating disorder behavior.
Therapy
To treat the underlying cause of the eating disorder, various types of therapy, such as individual, family, and group counseling, are used. This is an essential component of treatment because it assists the client in overcoming traumatic life events and developing coping mechanisms.
Medication
In cases where mood or anxiety symptoms emerge due to an eating disorder, some medications may be required. Medication helps in the reduction of binge eating.
How can one prevent an eating disorder?
- If eating disorders run in the family, being aware of the warning signals is a good way to begin to spot the problem early. Prompt treatment can help break harmful eating habits before they become more challenging. One can also lower the chances of developing an eating disorder by seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, and OCD.
- At Medicover Hospitals, we understand the severity and possible fallout of an eating disorder. Our team of medical experts, dietitians, and therapists makes every effort to ensure a comfortable treatment experience.
- Consult a psychiatrist for any eating disorder issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Factors like stress, medication side effects, or changes in routine can cause loss of appetite. It's important to monitor this change and consult a healthcare provider if it persists.
Consistently eating less than your body needs can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues. It's essential to maintain a balanced diet to ensure your body gets the necessary nutrients.
Kids' appetites can fluctuate due to growth spurts, activity levels, or illness. However, if a child consistently eats very little or shows signs of malnutrition, it's important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Children may still feel hungry after meals if they are experiencing a growth spurt, not eating nutrient-dense foods, or not getting enough fiber and protein in their diet.
Encourage a variety of foods, make mealtimes pleasant, and involve your child in meal planning and preparation. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.
Signs include:
- Skipping meals regularly.
- Obsessing over calories or food content.
- Feeling guilty after eating.
- Using food to cope with emotions.
Yes, stress can significantly impact eating habits. Some people may eat more when stressed, while others may lose their appetite. Finding healthy stress management techniques is important.
Try to eat small, nutrient-dense meals or snacks. Sometimes, eating on a schedule, even if you don't feel hungry, can help maintain proper nutrition.
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