Eating disorders – types, causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatment

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Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbances in eating behavior and associated disturbing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological, and social functions. The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Eating disorders – symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type of eating disorder. Anorexia (anorexia nervosa), bulimia nervosa (bulimia nervosa) and binge eating disorders are the most common eating disorders. Other eating disorders include, for example; chewing syndrome (rumination syndrome) and ARFID (Avoidant / Restrictive Food Disorder), which is a disorder involving the restriction or avoidance of foods.

Eating Disorders – Anorexia

Anorexia, also called anorexia nervosa, is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of one’s own weight or body composition. People with anorexia make extreme efforts to control their weight and figure, which often significantly disturbs their health and life activity.

When we are anorexic, we restrict calories excessively or use other weight loss methods such as excessive exercise, use of laxatives, dietary supplements, or vomiting after eating. Efforts to lose weight, even when underweight, can cause serious health problems, sometimes leading to starvation.

See also: Reasons for weight loss and weight deficiency

Eating disorders – bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa, or bulimia nervosa, is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia nervosa have episodes of binge eating and purging which are associated with a feeling of not being in control of their food.

During these episodes, the person typically eats large amounts of food in a short time and then tries to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. Due to feelings of guilt, shame, and a strong fear of gaining weight by overeating, a person with bulimia may force themselves to vomit or exercise too much, or use other methods such as laxatives to get rid of (in their opinion) excess calories. If we have bulimia, we are likely preoccupied with our weight and body shape, and we may judge ourselves severely for our defects (as perceived by ourselves).

See also: What causes nausea after eating?

Eating disorders with binge eating

When we have binge eating disorder, we regularly eat too much (binge eating) and feel out of control over our food. We can eat fast or eat more food than we intended even if we are not hungry, and we can continue eating even long after we have started to feel uncomfortably full.

After binge eating, you may feel guilty, disgusted or ashamed of your behavior and the amount of food eaten. However, the patient does not try to compensate for this behavior with excessive exercise or laxative treatments, as a person with bulimia or anorexia can do. Shame can lead to eating alone to hide gluttony. A new binge eating episode usually happens at least once a week. The sick person may be of normal weight, overweight or obese.

See also: Food addiction

Eating Disorders – Chewing Syndrome

Chewing syndrome is the repeated and persistent regurgitation of food after eating, but it is not due to a medical condition or other eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. Food is returned to the mouth without feeling sick or choking, and regurgitation may not be intentional. Sometimes the food that is withdrawn is chewed again and swallowed or spat out.

This disorder can result in malnutrition if food is spit out or if a person eats significantly less to prevent this type of behavior. The ruminant syndrome may be more frequent in infancy or in people with intellectual disabilities.

See also: Types of disability

Eating Disorders – ARFID (Avoidant / Restrictive Food Disorder)

That is, a disorder consisting in restricting or avoiding food is characterized by failure to meet the minimum daily nutritional requirements, because the patient is not interested in eating; avoids foods with certain sensory characteristics such as color, texture, smell or taste; or is concerned about the consequences of eating, such as fear of choking. He does not avoid eating for fear of gaining weight.

The disorder can result in significant weight loss or a lack of weight gain in childhood, as well as nutritional deficiencies that can cause numerous health problems.

Eating Disorders – Pica

Pica is another eating disorder that involves eating things that are considered inedible. People with pica want to consume, for example: ice, dirt, soil, chalk, soap, paper, hair, fabrics, wool, pebbles or laundry detergents.

Pica can affect adults as well as children and adolescents. At this point, however, it is worth paying attention to the fact that this disorder is most often observed in children, pregnant women and people with mental disabilities.

People with drinking may be at increased risk of poisoning, infections, intestinal injuries, and nutritional deficiencies. Depending on the substances consumed, drinking can even be fatal. However, to find that someone is drinking, the consumption of inedible substances must not be a normal part of someone else’s culture or religion. In addition, it cannot be considered a socially acceptable practice by a person’s peers.

See also: 10 mysterious diseases

Eating Disorders – Other Disorders

In addition to the six eating disorders above, there are also less known or less common eating disorders. They generally fall into one of three categories:

1. Disorder associated with the induction of vomiting and purging disorder. People with these conditions often use gastric cleaning behaviors such as vomiting, laxatives, diuretics or excessive exercise to control their weight or body build. However, they do not overeat.
2. Night Binge Eating Syndrome. People with this syndrome often eat excessively, often after waking up from sleep.
3. Other Specified Eating Disorders (OSFED). This includes any other conditions that have symptoms similar to an eating disorder but do not fit into any of the categories above.

One of the disorders that may currently be OSFED is orthorexia. People with orthorexia nervosa tend to obsess over healthy eating to an extent that interferes with their daily lives. For example, an affected person may eliminate entire food groups fearing that they are unhealthy. This can lead to malnutrition, severe weight loss, difficulty eating out and emotional stress.

People with orthorexia rarely focus on weight loss. Instead, their self-esteem, identity, or satisfaction depends on how well they adhere to their self-imposed rules.

Eating Disorders – When to See a Doctor?

The eating disorder can be difficult to control or overcome on its own. Moreover, eating disorders can practically take control of our lives. If we experience any of these problems or think we may be suffering from an eating disorder, let’s seek medical attention.

Encourage a loved one to be treated

Unfortunately, many people with an eating disorder may feel they don’t need treatment. If we are concerned about a loved one, ask them to speak to a doctor. Even if a loved one is not prepared to admit a problem with eating, we can support them by expressing concern and a willingness to listen.

Be careful about eating patterns and beliefs that can signal unhealthy behavior, and peer pressure that can trigger an eating disorder. Signs to watch out for include:

1. skipping meals or making excuses for not eating;
2. adopting an overly restrictive vegetarian diet;
3. excessive emphasis on healthy eating;
4. making your own meals instead of eating what the family eats;
5. withdrawal from normal social activities;
6. persistent worrying or complaining about obesity and talking about losing weight;
7. frequently checking yourself in the mirror for any defects you have noticed;
8. repeated consumption of large amounts of sweets or high-fat foods;
9. the use of dietary supplements, laxatives or herbal products for weight loss;
10. excessive exercise;
11. calluses on the ankles from inducing vomiting;
12. problems with loss of tooth enamel, which may be a sign of repeated vomiting;
13. going to the toilet during meals;
14. eating much more food in one meal or snack than is considered normal;
15. expressing depression, disgust, shame or guilt over eating habits;
16. eating a secret.

If we are concerned that our child may have an eating disorder, let’s see their doctor to discuss our concerns. If required, we may be referred to a qualified mental health professional with experience in eating disorders.

See also: Dysmorphophobia – body defects that do not exist. How to cure an obsession with appearance? [WE EXPLAIN]

Eating disorders – diagnosis

To diagnose an eating disorder, doctors usually only need signs and symptoms based on a physical exam and a detailed medical or personal history. For a person with anorexia, continued weight loss at low or normal weight, obsessive exercise, progressive eating restriction, depression, and falling grades at school or low performance at work should be suspect. People with anorexia often resist medical judgment and treatment.

Blood tests reveal abnormalities in hormone levels that help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. There is no diagnostic test and the diagnosis of eating disorders is made on the basis of clinical judgment.

To be diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, a person must have at least one episode of laxative or diuretic abuse or vomiting each week for 3 months.

The diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder includes an episode of binge eating disorder that occurs at least once a week for 3 months with a feeling of not being in control of your eating.

Eating disorders – causes

The exact cause of the eating disorder is unknown. As with any mental illness, there can be many reasons, including:

Genetics and biology. Some people may have genes that increase their risk of developing an eating disorder. Biological factors, such as changes in brain chemicals, may play a role in eating disorders.

Mental and emotional health. People with an eating disorder may have psychological and emotional problems that contribute to the disorder. They may have low self-esteem, suffer from perfectionism, impulsive behavior, and difficult relationships.

Eating disorders – risk factors

Teenage girls and young women are more likely to suffer from anorexia or bulimia than teenage boys and young men, but men can also suffer from an eating disorder. While these disorders can occur across a wide age range, they often develop in adolescents and the age of 20.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing an eating disorder, including the following

Family history. Eating disorders are much more likely in people whose parents or siblings suffer from an eating disorder.

Other mental health disorders. People with eating disorders have often had anxiety disorders, depression or obsessive compulsive disorder in the past.

Losing weight and hunger. Losing weight is a risk factor for developing eating disorders. Hunger affects the brain and affects mood changes, thinking stiffness, anxiety and decreased appetite. There is strong evidence that many of the symptoms of an eating disorder are actually symptoms of hunger. Hunger and weight loss can change the way the brain works in vulnerable individuals, which can perpetuate restrictive eating behavior and make it difficult to resume normal eating habits.

Stress. Whether it’s going to college, moving, finding a new job, or having a family or relationship problem, these types of situations can create stress, which in turn can increase your risk of developing an eating disorder.

Activities. If we belong to sports teams or art groups, we are at increased risk. The same is true for members of any community that pursues appearance as a status symbol, including athletes, actors, dancers, models, and television personalities. Trainers, parents, and professionals in these areas can inadvertently contribute to an eating disorder by encouraging weight loss.

Eating disorders – complications

Eating disorders can do a lot of damage to our health. People with an eating disorder often don’t get the nutrients the body needs to stay healthy and function properly. For example, people with eating disorders are at risk of developing heart or kidney failure leading to death if left untreated.

Some of the symptoms of anorexia include:

1. thin, weak bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis);
2. hair and nails that break easily;
3. dry and yellowish skin;
4. low iron levels and weak muscles;
5. constipation;
6. low blood pressure, slow breathing and pulse;
7. drop in body temperature;
8. brak energy;
9. for girls and women, amenorrhea.

Some of the symptoms of bulimia nervosa are:

1. sore throat;
2. swollen lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw;
3. caries;
4. heartburn;
5. stomach and intestinal pain;
6. kidney failure;
7. dehydration.

People who try to lose calories after eating by vomiting (or other forms of gastric purging) will have many of these symptoms.

People with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) often binge on foods high in sugar, fat or salt. This type of diet can lead to weight gain, and some people with BED are overweight or obese. As a result, people with BED are exposed to:

1. type 2 diabetes;
2. high cholesterol;
3. high blood pressure;
4. digestive problems;
5. heart problems.

Some of these complications can also be caused by unhealthy eating habits – for example, frequent weight loss.

See also: Dehydration – causes, symptoms, diagnosis. Who is at risk of dehydration?

Pregnancy and eating disorders

Pregnancy can be a difficult time for women who have experienced an eating disorder. Women who struggle with eating healthy or have a negative or distorted body image may have difficulty coping with weight gain during pregnancy. It can be difficult for ladies to maintain the calories recommended for pregnant women. There are also many health risks to women with an eating disorder during pregnancy. It is very important to get help with an eating disorder. They can cause many serious health problems. However, keep in mind that eating disorders can be treated. Many people can improve their quality of life or recover from an eating disorder with the support of a variety of health experts.

See also: How many weeks is pregnancy? Pregnancy calculator

Diabetes and eating disorders

Type 1 diabetes has a genetic component. People with type 1 are born with this problem and cannot fix it with lifestyle changes. Their bodies don’t make enough insulin. Patients need to inject themselves with insulin every day to keep their blood sugar levels low. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood.

People with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. We don’t know exactly why. This may be because they need to pay more attention to the food they eat and the weight changes. People with type 1 diabetes need to watch their insulin levels very carefully and eat in a way that keeps their blood sugar within the normal range. Some people abuse insulin to control their weight. However, it can be very dangerous to their health.

Type 2 diabetes, in turn, may develop as a side effect of being overweight or disturbed eating habits. People with type 2 diabetes have bodies that don’t respond to insulin as well as they should. Their bodies produce insulin, but blood sugar levels remain very high. Diabetes can also affect the way a healthcare professional treats an eating disorder. For people who have both diabetes and eating disorders, it is important to coordinate diabetes care and mental health treatment.

Eating Disorders – Treatment

People with anorexia rarely seek or want to be treated because they don’t usually admit their problem. Diagnosing an eating disorder and getting them to undergo treatment is often left to family members and friends.

Anorexia usually doesn’t go away without treatment. People with anorexia need medical and professional help to recover. The greatest obstacle in the treatment of anorexia nervosa is the reluctance of the patient to undergo treatment.

The primary goal of therapy is to bring the person back to normal weight. Dietary supplements are used until the weight of the sick person is considered to be within the normal range. In general, people with anorexia do not consider their behavior abnormal or unhealthy, so it is very difficult to convince them that they have a serious problem and get them to eat normally. If the condition is severe to the point of wasting away, hospitalization is usually required.

Both individual and family therapies are usually part of the treatment plan. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, where patients are counseled about problems with body image, weight control, normal eating habits, nutrition, and the effects of hunger.

Therapy with drugs such as antidepressants is only useful for related problems such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). About 70% of those who receive therapy in a timely manner will fully recover. However, in some cases, anorexia becomes a lifelong problem and may require long-term therapy and treatment.

Conversely, people with bulimia nervosa usually want and seek treatment because they agree that their eating disorder is abnormal and harms their health and happiness. People with bulimia rarely require hospitalization. They are usually treated with a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medications. Antidepressants are often prescribed that can reduce cravings and binge eating episodes.

Psychotherapy is used to build awareness and educate about eating patterns and behaviors, as well as deal with distorted thoughts about body building and weight. Group and family therapy are widely used to treat bulimia nervosa and are quite effective. As with anorexia nervosa, many people with bulimia who undergo early and prompt treatment will fully recover and suffer minimal long-term effects from the disease.

Some people with Binge Eating Disorder avoid treatment because they feel uncomfortable. Some people do not see binge eating disorder as an important medical condition and therefore do not seek medical attention. Most patients with binge eating disorder receive treatment with psychotherapy to help them identify triggers of binge eating disorder and learn strategies to manage binge eating. In addition to psychotherapy, medications such as antidepressants or lisdexamfetmine are also used.

Most people with an eating disorder will recover after a period of treatment. However, this process may take a long time, and in some cases, the disease may come back. It is important to get help if symptoms return.

See also: How to prepare for hospitalization?

Eating Disorders – Prevention

While there is no sure way to prevent eating disorders, here are some rules to help our child develop healthy eating behavior:

Avoid losing weight with your baby. Family eating habits can affect children’s relationships with food. Eating meals together gives the child the opportunity to familiarize the child with the pitfalls of diets and encourages them to eat a balanced diet in reasonable portions.

Talk to your child. For example, there are many websites that promote dangerous ideas, such as seeing anorexia as a lifestyle choice rather than an eating disorder. It is important to correct such misconceptions and talk to your child about the dangers of unhealthy food choices.

Cultivate and strengthen a healthy body image of a child, regardless of their build and size. Talk to your child about how they perceive their body. Avoid criticizing your own body in front of your baby. The message of acceptance and respect can help build healthy self-esteem and resilience that will take children through difficult periods of their teenage years.

Seek medical help. When visiting healthy children, doctors may be able to identify the early signs of an eating disorder. They can ask children questions about their eating habits and how satisfied they are with their appearance during routine medical appointments. These visits should include checking your height and weight percentiles and body mass index, which can alert you and your doctor to any significant changes.

If you notice that a family member or friend appears to be showing signs of an eating disorder, consider talking to them out of concern for their well-being. While we may not be able to prevent the development of an eating disorder, showing support may encourage the person to start treatment.

See also: The percentile grid – description, purpose, interpretation of results

Eating Disorders – Popular Myths

Myth – Eating disorders are a women’s problem.

Eating disorders can occur in men and women, boys and girls. It is estimated that one in ten cases of eating disorder affects men, compared to 1 in 2 for binge eating disorder.

Myth – Eating disorders are a problem for teenagers

Eating disorders can occur at any age from under 10 to over 70 years of age. The average age of onset is 15-24 years, and when we become aware of the life changes that are taking place during these years, we can understand why this could be the mean age of onset. However, at any age, for some reason, some people pay attention to their body weight and build and their food intake.

Myth – Eating disorders are a type of diet

Eating disorder is not the type of diet someone uses to lose weight. Eating disorder is a serious mental illness that has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder. It is a mistake to think that eating disorders are only about food and weight. They are also about self-perception and self-esteem.

Myth – Eating disorders are lifestyle choices

A sick person does not “choose” an eating disorder, and living with an eating disorder is not about emanating a certain lifestyle. The sick person becomes trapped in an eating disorder and, like addiction, feels compelled to continue to engage in disturbed eating behavior in order to feel safe. This compulsion replaces the conscious choice of a person who needs help and support in order to be able to choose a different way of living and coping with problems.

Myth – Eating Disorders Are Just A Time Period

Eating disorders are not a period or stage in life, it is not something that you will “grow out of”. This is a much more serious problem than we think and these diseases should be treated as such by all the physicians and specialists involved.