Introduction:
Eating disorders are abnormal eating behavior that can be fatal if left untreated. In many cases, it leads to serious health consequences and may also result in death if not treated. There are different types of eating disorders.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are not lifestyle choices, and many people misunderstand them. Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can cause changes in behavior, emotions, and thoughts. People with eating disorders have different symptoms, including restriction of food, binge eating, and overexercising. Eating disorders can develop because of obsession with food, body shape, or body weight. Eating disorders can affect people of different ages and stages.
What Causes Eating Disorders?
There are a variety of causes of eating disorders. Genetics also plays an important role. People with a sibling or parent with an eating disorder are at increased risk of developing an eating disorder. Social and environmental factors cause eating disorders.
What Are the Types of Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are conditions involving extreme food and weight issues. There are six types of eating disorders, each of which has different symptoms and diagnoses.
1) Anorexia Nervosa - Is the most well-known eating disorder. It is prominently seen in women as compared to men. It generally develops in young adulthood and teenagers. People with anorexia are highly conscious of their weight. They think of themself as overweight when they are dangerously underweight. Therefore, they constantly monitor their weight and restrict food intake, leading to starvation.
Symptoms of anorexia nervosa are:
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Restricted eating patterns.
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Fear of gaining weight.
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Reluctant to maintaining a healthy weight.
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The heavy influence of body weight and shape on self-esteem.
2) Bulimia Nervosa - Like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa is also a well known eating disorder. It is seen in young adults. It is prominently seen in women as compared to men. People with bulimia nervosa eat an unusually large amount of food in a short time. They binge eat until they become painfully full. There is no control over binge eating.
Symptoms of bulimia nervosa are:
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Lack of control over eating food.
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Recurrent episodes of binge eating.
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Fear of gaining weight even after having a typical weight.
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Side effects of bulimia nervosa include inflamed and sore throat, acid reflux, tooth decay, dehydration, irritation of the gut, and hormonal disturbances. In severe cases, it can cause an imbalance in the electrolytes which can cause heart problems.
3) Binge Eating Disorders - Binge eating is commonly observed in young adults. The person experiences a loss of control over their eating.
Common symptoms of binge eating disorders include:
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Eating a large amount of food rapidly.
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Lack of self-control in eating.
4) Rumination Disorder - Rumination disorder is a newly found eating disorder. In this disorder, a person regurgitates food they have previously chewed and swallowed, re-chews it, and again swallows it or spits it out. It occurs 30 minutes after the meal. This eating disorder develops during infancy, childhood, or adulthood. Rumination disorder resolves on its own, but if not fixed, the condition needs therapy as it may lead to weight loss or malnourishment.
5) Pica - Pica is an eating disorder in which the person eats things that are not considered to be food. The person craves non-food items like soil, ice, mud, chalk, soap, wool, cloth, and hair. It is seen in adults and children. Pica can lead to nutritional deficiencies and can affect mental health as well. It can also cause gut problems. Depending on the substances injected, pica may be fatal.
6) Restrictive Food Intake is a new name for an old “feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood.” The person experiences a lack of interest in eating. The symptoms of restrictive food intake are weight loss, poor development, and nutritional deficiencies.
How Do You Know if You Have an Eating Disorder?
People with any body weight and size can have an eating disorder, but if one identifies the condition, seeking treatment will improve the chances of your treatment. In addition, specific behavioral patterns may help you detect if one has an eating disorder:
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Discomfort while eating with others.
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Skipping meals.
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Frequent dieting.
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Concerned too much about body shape, weight, and size.
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Frequently monitoring the weight.
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Restriction of food.
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Having extreme mood swings.
If you feel that you may have an eating disorder, you must reach out to a medical professional for help.
What Are the Signs of Eating Disorders?
There are different behavioral, physical, and mental signs of eating disorders which include:
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Sudden weight loss.
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Denying hunger.
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Concerned about eating in public.
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Frequently weighing.
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Fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.
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Over exercising.
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Cooking meals for others but without eating.
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Limiting food intake.
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Disturbed gut.
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Stomach ache.
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Difficulty concentrating.
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Dry skin.
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Muscle weakness.
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Fainting.
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Dizziness.
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Sleep disturbances.
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Loss of hair.
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Poor immune system functioning.
What Are the Complications of Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders have many complications, some of which can be life-threatening. The complications of eating disorders are:
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Growth and developmental problems.
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Serious health problems.
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Social problems.
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Self-doubt.
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Feeling suicidal.
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Death.
What Is the Treatment for Eating Disorders?
Seeking medical help is very important in severe cases of eating disorders. The treatment will usually involve talk therapy and regular health checkups by the physician.
Other treatment options are:
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Psychotherapy.
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Nutritional counseling.
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Medications.
Conclusion:
Eating disorders are treatable. People who get treated usually recover and can lead a healthy life again. It is helpful to detect a problem early and start treatment right away.
