12/01/2022
Part 1 - The Most Common Eating Disorders Types And Their Signs
What is an eating disorder?
It can be described as a mental illness characterized by abnormal eating habits that negatively affect a person’s physical or mental health. Eating disorders are usually caused by genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
They are often associated with other mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Eating disorders can be hazardous and even life-threatening if left untreated. Anyone who suspects that they or someone they know may have an eating disorder should talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention is essential for the successful treatment of eating disorders.
1️⃣ Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can devastate a person’s physical and mental health. The condition is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, which leads sufferers to restrict their food intake and engage in dangerous levels of exercise. Anorexia nervosa often begins during adolescence and is more common in girls than boys. However, the disorder can affect people of any age and gender.
Signs of anorexia nervosa:
- Drastic weight loss
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Dry skin and hair
- Brittle nails
- Cold intolerance
It’s essential to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional if you notice any of the signs. Anorexia nervosa is a severe and potentially life-threatening disorder that requires treatment.
2️⃣ Bulimia
Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging. Binge eating is defined as eating a huge amount of food in a short time, and purging is typically accomplished by self-induced vomiting or using laxatives.
People with bulimia may feel like they cannot control their eating and may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their behavior. As a result, they often try to keep their disorder secret, making it challenging to identify.
There are several potential causes of bulimia, including emotional stress, dissatisfaction with one’s body image, and societal pressure to be thin.
Signs and symptoms of bulimia:
- Secretive eating habits
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
- An obsession with food or weight
- Evidence of self-harm
Bulimia can have serious health implications, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and tooth decay. If you feel like someone you know may be suffering from bulimia, it is vital to encourage them to seek professional help. Treatment for bulimia typically includes counseling and behavior modification therapy.
3️⃣ Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge eating disorder (B.E.D) is an alarming and dangerous disorder in which a person compulsively consumes huge amounts of food in a short time, even when they are not physically hungry. Bingeing can often lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment, as well as physical discomfort due to the amount of food consumed.
Individuals with B.E.D often feel out of control during a binge and are unable to stop themselves from eating even when they are full. It is estimated that B.E.D affects approximately 3.5% of adults in the United States and is the most common eating disorder in the country.
While the exact cause of Binge Eating Disorder is unknown, several risk factors have been identified, which include: emotional stress, dieting or food restrictions, genetic disposition, and certain psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Physical signs and symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder:
- Eating huge amounts of food quickly
- Feeling out of control while bingeing
- Feeling ashamed or embarrassed after bingeing
- Eating even when you aren’t physically hungry
- Experiencing physical discomfort after bingeing, such as stomach pain