What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are also called eating disorders, eating disorders, or eating disorders. It is a disease characterized by an abnormal obsession with extreme dieting, such as an excessive fear of weight gain, a strong desire to have a thin body, and inappropriate weight control practices such as continuous starvation or taking diet pills or laxatives. It is also characterized by disorders in eating behavior that are mainly triggered by excessive dieting, such as irregular eating habits, binge eating, loss of control over food, excessive obsession with food, and refusal to eat food despite being undernourished. Eating disorders can be broadly divided into anorexia and bulimia.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders

anorexia

The official psychiatric name for anorexia is anorexia nervosa. The biggest characteristic is extreme refusal of food, resulting in a loss of more than 15% of normal weight. Women with this disease have an extreme fear of gaining weight or becoming obese, so they constantly try to lose weight even though they are underweight. In extreme cases, weight loss can reach 30-40% of normal body weight (e.g., 160 cm in height and 30 kg in weight). When this level is reached, it is very dangerous to physical health and requires hospitalization.

behavioral symptoms

- Place restrictions on eating behavior, such as strict dieting, fasting, or fasting.

- Count food into pieces or cut food into small pieces before eating.

- I often cook food for others and do not eat it myself.

- I am concerned about gaining too much weight despite my low body weight.

- Great fear of food.

- I have a fear of eating in public places.

- I am concerned about gaining too much weight while trying to lose weight.

- Wear loose-fitting clothes to hide excessive weight loss.

- Binge eating.

- Vomiting or habitually taking drugs such as laxatives, diuretics, or diet foods to control weight.

- Weigh yourself too frequently, several times a day.

- Excessive obsession with food ingredients and calories.

physical symptoms

- Weight decreased significantly over a short period of time.

- Menstruation has become irregular or stopped without any particular cause.

- The face is pale.

- I became sensitive to the cold.

- I feel dizzy and fall easily.

- A lot of hair falls out.

- have a headache.

- Feeling tired easily.

psychological symptoms

- Severe mood changes.

- Shows a perfectionistic attitude.

- There is an excessive sense of inferiority and anxiety about one's own abilities.

- Your sense of self-worth is affected by what food you eat or not eat.

- I try not to meet people often.

- Denies current underweight.

- Place excessive emphasis on weight or body shape when evaluating oneself.

Bulimia

The full psychiatric name is bulimia nervosa. The biggest characteristic is the loss of eating control, eating large amounts of food at a rapid rate and not being able to stop eating even when you are full. After binge eating, people fear the consequences of weight gain, so they vomit, take laxatives or diuretics, or repeat intense exercise and dieting. The incidence ratio between men and women suffering from binge eating is 1:15, with the overwhelming majority being women.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by disordered eating behaviors and distorted body image. The three most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often restrict their food intake, leading to significant weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight. Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise. Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrollable overeating without compensatory behaviors.

Eating disorders can have severe physical, psychological, and social consequences. Physical health complications may include malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and hormonal disturbances. Psychological effects can range from low self-esteem and depression to anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Socially, individuals with eating disorders may experience isolation, strained relationships, and difficulties in daily functioning.

The causes of eating disorders are complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Biological factors, such as imbalances in brain chemicals or hormonal abnormalities, may contribute to the development of eating disorders. Environmental influences, such as societal pressures for thinness and cultural norms, can also play a significant role. Additionally, psychological factors like perfectionism, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction contribute to the risk of developing an eating disorder.

Early detection and intervention are crucial in the treatment of eating disorders. Seeking professional help from healthcare providers experienced in the treatment of eating disorders is essential. Treatment approaches typically involve a multidisciplinary team, including therapists, dietitians, and medical professionals. The primary goals of treatment are to restore physical health, address underlying psychological issues, normalize eating behaviors, and promote long-term recovery.

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible with appropriate treatment and support. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's specific needs and may include psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, support groups, and, in some cases, medication. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps individuals develop healthier attitudes towards food and body image, challenge distorted thinking patterns, and develop coping strategies. Nutritional counseling focuses on establishing a balanced relationship with food and promoting a healthy approach to eating. Support from loved ones, as well as ongoing aftercare and relapse prevention strategies, are crucial for sustained recovery.