Eating disorders are very common in the United States. This is a serious condition that negatively affects thousands of people’s health. It’s important for us not to stigmatize or try to hide this ongoing problem. Many feel shy to speak up because they might be judged, and others are just unaware that what they are going through is a difficult situation with a solution.
So, we are going to spread light on this problem. Let’s talk about what eating disorders are and educate ourselves on the health consequences they can cause.
What is an Eating Disorder?
Even though eating is in the name, eating disorders go beyond actually eating and come in different forms. An eating disorder is a psychological condition that causes an individual to develop an unhealthy eating habit. This habit can be eating too much, eating too little, and everything in between.
If left untreated, they can cause that individual very serious health consequences. Eating disorders not only affect someone physically but also mentally and emotionally. Most researchers say that the disorders actually start in the mind and manifest in actions that are physical. Because of this is important to catch early signs and get treatment as soon as possible.
Often, these disorders are associated with females, but they can happen to anyone. It’s important to point out that this can happen to both males and females, and everyone should look out for them.
Some of the signs to look for include
- Dramatic weight loss
- Dramatic weight gain
- Concern about eating in public
- Excuses to avoid mealtime
- Fear of weight gain or being called fat
- Restricing or limiting the amount and types of food consumed
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- eating during emotional full
- Denying the feeling of hunger
- Eating extremely large portions
- Not able to stop eating
- Patterns of binge eating
- Repeat weighing oneself
- Dressing in layers to hide excess weight
Some of these signs don’t look suspicious, but the key is looking for a pattern. If there is a pattern and it seems like they are hiding, then it’s important to bring it to their attention and get them the right treatment.
3 Common Eating Disorders
There are a lot of different eating disorders. It’s important to put all of them into the limelight, but today we will focus on the 3 most common eating disorders. 9% of the US population has been diagnosed with an eating disorder, and most are 1 of these 3.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss, distorted body image, and fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia typically restrict their food intake and engage in excessive exercise to maintain low body weight. This can lead to malnutrition and many physical and mental health problems.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and purging. People with bulimia consume extremely big food portions in a short period of time and then compensate by purging through vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. This cycle of binging and purging can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion and cause long-term damage to the body. Most binge eating consists of junk food that they would not usually eat but want to enjoy without the repercussions of weight gain.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without the purging, fasting, or excessive exercise seen in bulimia. People with binge eating disorders consume large amounts of food in a short period of time and feel a loss of control during binge episodes. Binge eaters tend to lean towards highly processed food such as junk food, ice cream, chips, burgers, and more. This leads to obesity and leads to other chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and joint pain. Binge eaters feel shame and tend to fall into a cycle of binge eating.
What Kind of Treatment is Available
Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling. As mentioned earlier, eating disorders are also something that affects mental health. The goal of treatment is to help an individual learn healthy eating habits and develop a positive body image. It additionally addresses the underlying psychological issues that contribute to the disorder.
With that being said, it’s important to just inform and educate everyone that there are treatments that work for eating disorders, and it is not hard to find. It is important for those struggling with eating disorders to seek help from a medical and mental health professional.
Prevention and Awareness
Prevention and awareness are key to reducing the number of people affected by eating disorders. By promoting positive body activity, healthy body image, self-esteem, and a healthy relationship with food, we can help prevent the development of eating disorders. In addition, it’s also important for individuals to educate themselves about eating disorders and to support those around them who may be struggling with them.
Though eating disorders are a growing concern, there is something we can all do to help. Make those around you aware that this is something that they should still look out for. Also, let them know that they or anyone they know can get help by visiting their doctor and speaking about their concerns.
