Eating Disorders

What is an eating disorder?

Someone might be said to have an eating disorder when they have a significant preoccupation with food, calories, weight, and/or exercise. Sometimes professionals will say someone has “disordered eating,” which can lead to an eating disorder if left untreated. While no two eating disorders look alike, in general, it is the unhealthy relationship and behaviors regarding food and body image that can create disturbances in other areas of one’s life, causing emotional, physical, and relational issues.

Causes

Eating disorders are extremely complex and scientists are still working to determine exact causes. That being said, it is often believed that people turn to disordered eating patterns when other areas of their lives feel out of control and unmanageable. Genetics, environment, peer and societal pressure, and emotional health all are believed to contribute to disordered eating.

Symptoms

There are several different types of eating disorders, and each type can be associated with varying symptoms.

Anorexia Nervosa symptoms include:

Restricting one’s diet with the intention of significant weight loss
Dizziness
Low energy
Loss of menstruation
Irregular heart rhythms
Dehydration
Feelings of guilt or shame about eating
Social withdrawl

Bulimia Nervosa symptoms include:

The same symptoms as Anorexia Nervosa above
Damaged teeth

Binge Eating Disorder symptoms include:

Loss of control over eating often causing extreme binging
Weight gain
Feelings of embarrassment or disgust

Am I at risk?

While anyone may develop an eating disorder, certain groups are at higher risk than other groups. females currently account for 90% of all eating disorders. Often eating disorders begin during the teenage years, most frequently seen in industrialized societies where there is an abundance of food as well as extreme societal pressure to be thin. here is an increased risk for an eating disorder if other individuals in the family suffer from disordered eating. There is a higher risk for the development of eating disorders in athletes whose sport places a value on being thin, like dancers and gymnasts. Eating disorders are also more frequently seen in individuals who have been sexually abused as children.