Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know
Eating disorder is becoming a major health concern worldwide. In Britain alone, there are over a million people who suffer from this debilitating condition. Eating disorder is an illness that leads people to overeat, starve themselves, or adopt unhealthy eating behaviours. These disorders – bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating could interfere with a person’s day to day life, increase their risk of depression and other chronic illnesses, and worse, lead them to death.
Types of Eating Disorders
Binge Eating
In this world wherein the food industry is thriving, many of us can’t help but overeat from time to time. But this is not enough to say that a person is suffering from an eating disorder. Binge eating is the most common form of eating disorder, causing many people to become obese or overweight. It can develop at any age but is usually diagnosed in middle age. Those who have this condition feel the need to eat more often, even when they are still full. Stress, depression, anxiety and boredom often trigger binge eating. Another unique characteristic of this condition is the feelings of guilt. It is normal for people who binge-eat to feel guilty or ashamed after having their meal. This leads to a vicious cycle of emotional distress that causes them to eat more. Some would put efforts on losing weight but in most times, these don’t succeed.
People who binge-eat tend to have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Anorexia
This is the exact opposite of the disorder discussed above. People with anorexia nervosa tend to develop unusual or exaggerated fear of gaining weight. This often results from poor body image. This affects their eating pattern, triggering them to severely restrict their calorie intake. Whilst anorexia is more common in women, it could affect men too. Most people diagnosed with this eating disorder have experienced a traumatic event, such as abuse, rejection, and extreme desire to achieve a certain physical condition. The most obvious symptom of anorexia is rapid weight loss. Aside from consuming very little food, people suffering from this condition tend to take diet pills, over-exercise, and engage in other unhealthy means to lose weight.
What people may not know about anorexia sufferers is that they often develop obsession in food. Although they eat very little, they think of food almost every time. But despite the desire to eat, they are too afraid to gain weight so they may do odd things like weighing the food first, taking very small portions, fasting for several days, and so on. Although they are dangerously thin already, they still see themselves as ‘fat’.
Nutritional deficiency is common among anorexia sufferers due to restricted food intake. This leads to various health complications. Karen Carpenter, a famous American singer, died of anorexia at the age of 33 due to complications in the heart.
People with this eating disorder may also struggle with anxiety problems, depression and other emotional health problems. This increases their risk of suicide.
Bulimia
The major symptoms of bulimia are binge eating and purging. This condition is often diagnosed among teenage or young adult girls. People with bulimia tend to consume excessive amounts of food and then compensate by throwing up. They do it as often as they desire. Some start with an intention to keep weight gain at bay but over time, this becomes a compulsive habit that becomes way too far from their control. Just like the two other eating disorders, bulimia sufferers are prone to anxiety issues, depression and substance abuse. They are often irritable and tend to withdraw from friends and family.
Therapies are Available
The good news is that all these eating disorders can be treated. With the help of a health professional, it is possible to restore one’s eating habits back to normal. Successful treatment may come from a combination of two or more approaches. Among the most popular and effective treatments used for eating disorders are psychotherapy, counselling, nutrition education, support group therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Not only do they address the eating problems, but also the emotional issues sufferers are struggling with.
If you think a loved one is struggling with any of these eating disorders, encourage them to get help. Open up the issue in a gentle and polite manner without triggering feelings of guilt or blame. It’s true that you can’t force someone to change or seek treatment, but you can let them know you are just behind, ready to support them. That makes a big difference.
©Copyright 2013 by http://www.naturaltherapyforall.com Hypnotherapy Nottingham All Rights Reserved.