According to Healthline, eating disorders are a range of psychological conditions that cause unhealthy eating habits to develop. They start out as an obsession with food, body weight or shape and can cause serious health consequences if left untreated, and may even result to death.
Eating disorders are about more than food. They are complex mental health conditions that often require the intervention of medical and psychological experts to alter their course.
Experts believe that a variety of factors may contribute to eating disorders. For example, Genetics. People who have a sibling or parent with an eating disorder may be at an increased risk of developing one.
Personality traits like neuroticism; overly anxious, impulsivity; the quality of being impulsive and an inclination to act on impulse rather than thoughts, perfectionism are linked with a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.
Perceived pressures to be thin, the craze in today’s world, cultural preference for thinness, and exposure to socialite lifestyle on TV can promote the ideals of ‘thin is perfect. Skinny is bae’ which in turn can lead to an eating disorder.
Eating disorders often develop in the teen and young adult years, although they can develop at other ages. Some mental and behavioral signs may include; dramatic weight loss, concern about eating in public, preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, or dieting, excuses to avoid mealtime, intense fear of weight gain or being “fat”.
Some types of these eating disorders may include –
1. Anorexia nervosa
This is likely the most well-known eating disorder. It generally develops during adolescence or young adulthood and tends to affect more women than men. People with anorexia generally view themselves as overweight, even if they’re dangerously underweight. They tend to constantly monitor their weight, avoid eating certain types of foods, and severely restrict their calorie intake.
2. Binge eating Disorder
This is the most prevalent type of eating disorder. Individuals with this disorder typically eat unusually large amounts of food in relatively short periods of time and feel a lack of control during binges.
3. Bulimia nervosa
People with bulimia frequently eat unusually large amounts of food in a specific period of time.
4. Avoidant or Food Restrictive intake disorder.
Individuals with this disorder experience disturbed eating due to either a lack of interest in eating or a distaste for certain smells, tastes, colors, textures, or temperatures. It is a feeding disorder for infancy and early childhood.
Eating disorders are mental health conditions that usually require treatment. They can also be damaging to the body if left untreated. If you have an eating disorder or know someone who might have one, you can seek help from a healthcare professional who specializes in eating disorders.
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