Eating disorders

Eating disorder:

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that significantly disrupt a person's daily eating habits. 

They can present in two extremes: either severely restricting food intake or excessively overeating. These conditions often start with either not eating enough or eating too much, but the obsession with food and eating eventually takes over a person's life, leading to significant changes.

Why are so many individuals in our society affected by eating disorders?

Experts agree that there are several factors contributing to this issue:

- Sociocultural influences

- Biological factors

- Neurochemical imbalances

- The intense pressure to be thin

- Family views on body shape

- Eating patterns

Types of eating disorders:

- Anorexia Nervosa

- Bulimia Nervosa

- Binge Eating Disorder

- Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

Anorexia Nervosa:

- An = without

- Orex = mouth

- Nervous = of nervous origin

- Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight and a distorted perception of body shape and weight.

This condition was first described in 1873 by Sir William Gul, with the term originating from Greek, meaning "a lack of desire to eat."

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa:

- Severe weight loss

- Amenorrhea: the absence or cessation of menstruation

- Primary Amenorrhea: the onset of menstruation after 15 years of age

- Secondary Amenorrhea: the absence of three consecutive menstrual cycles

- Constipation or diarrhea

- Electrolyte imbalances

- Osteoporosis

- Hyponatremia

- Hypokalemia

- Cavities

- Cardiac arrest

- Brain shrinkage

Warning signs of Anorexia Nervosa:

- Significant changes in behavior

- Rigid exercise routines

- Withdrawal from usual social circles

- Refusal to eat certain foods or food groups

- Consistent excuses to avoid situations involving food

Isabelle Caro, a French model, passed away in 2010 due to complications from anorexia nervosa at the age of 28.

Health risks associated with Anorexia Nervosa:

- Heart failure

- Kidney failure

- Liver disorders

- Low protein stores

- Digestive issues

- Abnormal nervous system functioning

- Loss of sexual function in women

- Purging behaviors include:

- Use of laxatives, diet pills, ipecac syrup, or water pills; may engage in self-induced vomiting.

- Going to the bathroom immediately after eating to vomit and quickly eliminate calories.

- Developing intolerance to cold.

Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa:

- Treatment for anorexia typically involves a team approach, including doctors, mental health professionals, and dietitians, all with expertise in eating disorders. Ongoing therapy and nutrition education are crucial for sustained recovery.

- Common psychological treatments for eating disorders include:

- Family therapy: This involves family members working together to directly manage the behaviors of the individual.

- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This therapy teaches individuals to recognize and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, thereby changing their behavior.

- Interpersonal psychotherapy: This focuses on the relationship between the onset of symptoms and problems related to interpersonal interactions.

- Psychodynamic psychotherapy: This approach aims to uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings.

The NHS recommends that patients begin by eating very small amounts of food and gradually increase their intake over time.

• Ensure that dietitians address any chemical imbalances prior to starting the weight gain journey (including supplements and vitamins).

• It's crucial to motivate individuals with anorexia nervosa to broaden their selection of foods to reduce the extremely limited variety of foods they initially accept.

Calorie consumption amounts ought to typically begin at 30–40 kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg) daily (around 1,000-1,600 kcal/day).

Bulimia Nervosa: Getting to Know the Eating Disorder

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Definition: A severe eating disorder marked by alternating periods of overeating and behaviors to compensate for it.

Frequent Behaviors: Self-induced vomiting, excessive physical activity, and inappropriate use of laxatives.

Who Suffers from it?

Statistics: Primarily observed in teenagers and young adults, especially girls.

Likelihood: Affects all, irrespective of age or sex.

Symptoms and Outcomes

Emotional: Experiences of helplessness, embarrassment, and regret throughout bingeing and afterwards.

Physical: Disturbances in electrolyte levels, issues with the digestive system, and dental damage due to repeated vomiting.

High Value of Treatment

Therapy: Vital for recovery, usually including counseling, guidance on nutrition, and occasionally medication.

Early Intervention: Can lead to better results, encouraging a more positive view of eating and body perception.