Eating Disorders

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are life threatening mental illness characterized by an obsession with food and weight. Anorexia, Bulimia, binge eating disorders are more common in women typically starting in adolescence. Genetics Emotional and psychological issues are the root of many eating disorders.

What is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental condition characterized by extreme eating habits and an obsession about one’s weight and food intake. Individuals who have an eating disorder become so focused on food and their body image that they focus on little else. In turn, this can lead to severe medical complications as well as affect other aspects of their lives including relationships and work performance.

What are the Symptoms of an Eating Disorder?

There are numerous eating disorders, so symptoms vary. Nevertheless, all of them share at least commonality: extreme behavior. For example, an individual may starve restrict eating behavior or binge eat. Below, you will find a list of the most common eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa: This potentially life-threatening condition is marked by an obsession with being thin. Individuals constantly feel they are overweight even if they are within a normal range. As a result, this distorted body image leads to undereating and malnutrition. In the long term, individuals with anorexia nervosa may experience the following due to inadequate nutrient intake:

–      Osteoporosis

–      Brittle nails and hands

–      Anemia

–      Infertility

Anorexia nervosa can lead to serious medical complications if left unchecked. If you or someone you love is showing signs of anorexia nervosa, seek professional help.

Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia nervosa involves frequent overeating and loss of control over one’s food intake. These episodes are then followed by compensatory actions such as vomiting, excessive laxative use and excessive exercise. People with bulimia fear weight gain and have a distorted body image similar to anorexia sufferers. However, individuals with bulimia are typically within a normal weight range or even slightly overweight. If left unchecked, severe medical complications can occur:

–      Chronic inflammation of the esophagus

–      Tooth decay (due to stomach acid exposure)

–      Gastrointestinal distress

–      Severe dehydration

Binge Eating Disorder: Like bulimia, binge eating disorder is defined by recurrent overeating episodes, often to the point of discomfort. Unlike bulimia, individuals do not take any compensatory measures like purging. Because of this, individuals who binge eat are typically overweight or obese. Binge eaters also feel a sense of shame or guilt related to their actions; they feel as if they are out of control. Without the right support, binge eating can lead to the following:

–      Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

–      Increased risk of heart attack

–      Higher risk of diabetes

If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, help is available. »