If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, getting help as early as possible is essential. Your GP can refer you for specialist support, and confidential charities are available to offer advice and guidance. You can also talk to a trusted friend or family member for help and advice.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of eating disorders include rapid weight loss, irregular eating habits, and excessive exercise. These conditions can also manifest in subtler ways. For example, people suffering from an eating disorder might become obsessive about how much food they eat or develop rigid eating habits. This may include chewing their food for an extended period before swallowing it or cutting it into small pieces and hiding them in napkins.
Although eating disorders are usually more common in women, men can also develop them. They can affect a person’s energy level and the functioning of the endocrine system. Moreover, they can increase the risk of developing other mental health disorders. As a result, it’s essential to seek help as soon as possible. Your GP can refer you to the appropriate mental health services.
Eating disorders can cause distress and poor self-esteem. They can also lead to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and sadness. In addition, males are twice as likely as females to suffer from eating disorders. In this regard, recovery from an eating disorder may not be easy, so a mental health professional may need to jump in.
Causes
Eating disorders are complex and often have unique causes, but some common threads exist. These threads can help identify what may be triggering an eating disorder. For example, the most common causes of anorexia and binge eating disorder (BED) were psychological and emotional problems, physical illness, traumatic events, and social issues. The least frequent causes were genetics, family problems, and negative perceptions of the disorder.
People involved in artistic and athletic groups and communities emphasizing physical appearance are at higher risk for eating disorders. This is because their parents or coaches may encourage them to lose weight, and the pressure of being part of the group can be increased. This is particularly true for teenagers, who are often subject to social anxiety and hormonal changes during puberty. Teenagers may also practice unhealthy eating habits occasionally, but this is not always a cause of an eating disorder. While many factors may contribute to an eating disorder, the common thread is a lack of proper validation of feelings. These feelings are often the result of an ongoing, subtle undermining of self-esteem. In many cases, people have been repeatedly told they should not feel these emotions or that they are selfish or immoral. These negative messages can make it challenging to make positive choices about food.
Treatments
Whether the problem is triggered by a traumatic event, a long-term illness, or genetics, the best way to treat it is early and with the help of mental health professional.
The goal of treatment is to stabilize the patient’s medical and nutritional status, address the psychosocial precipitants, and reintroduce healthy eating patterns. Inpatient and residential treatment programs are available and may be required in severe cases. These programs combine 24-hour care and housing with psychotherapy. Treatments for eating disorders vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s age, and cultural background. An eating disorder is often associated with other mental health disorders or substance use issues. When seeking treatment, a physician will ask about the person’s history, eating and exercise behaviors, and other conditions. A physician may also recommend tests to rule out other health conditions related to the disorder. A physician may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify negative thoughts and patterns and help patients change behaviors.
Prevention
Prevention of eating disorders is an ongoing process involving education and awareness-raising. It targets individuals with risk factors and warning signs of the disease and seeks to halt the progression to a more severe condition. Prevention programs have effectively deterred the development of eating disorders in children and adolescents. Several prevention methods have been developed, including education and training for physicians, schools, sports organizations, and clergy. By educating youth about the risk factors, warning signs, and treatment options, prevention programs can help catch the condition early. For example, schools should offer health classes on different body types and exercise programs, and health professionals should advise on the dangers of dieting. Eating healthy is an essential aspect of preventing eating disorders. It is also essential to pay attention to your body’s signals and enjoy your food. Be mindful of your hunger and thirst signals, and eat slowly. While eating, you should also focus on the food’s taste, smell, and feeling. Listening to your body’s cues will help you avoid consuming unhealthy foods.
