Eating Disorders | 5 Reasons Why Eating Disorders Occur | Signs of Eating Disorders – MediUpdates Article – Eating disorders are a type of mental illness that is difficult to understand. People who suffer from this have problems with their eating habits, which lead to negative thoughts and feelings. “Eating disorders afflict many million individuals at any given time,” according to the American Psychiatric Association, “most commonly women between the ages of 12 and 35.” These folks are prone to obsessing over their eating habits and body weight. You’ve probably met or seen folks who are always self-conscious about their appearance. They struggle to accept themselves as they are. Those folks may not realize it, yet they may be suffering from eating problems. People who suffer from this complicated disease are also afraid of gaining weight and starve themselves to death. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder are the three primary types of eating disorders. As a result, this is a disease, not a choice.
You should be aware that there are several factors that contribute to the development of this severe illness. If you or a loved one is suffering from the condition, you should be aware of the following factors:
i. Cultural Influence
This is one of the most important factors in determining our body image mentality. We’ve been socialized to believe that a slim body (for women) and a strong physique (for males) are the ideal body shapes. Few people are aware that men and women’s bodies may take on a variety of forms. Our society has traditionally placed an excessive focus on looks. As a result, many people get overwhelmed or obsessed with their weight, causing them to see themselves as “too big.” They will use fad diets to lose weight rather than controlling their weight in a healthy way. They’ll also start starving themselves for no apparent cause.
ii. Under the heading of Genetics
Genetics has a role in the growth and development of our bodies. According to research, eating disorders are more likely to strike a person if they run in the family. As a result, it is more common among identical twins than in other siblings.
iii. Psychological Factors
According to research, additional illnesses such as severe depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, or alcohol addiction may lead to eating disorders in the majority of instances. People who are suffering with worries or anxieties often have low self-esteem, perfectionism, and difficulty overcoming/expressing feelings. They are also restless in their reactions to the events.
iv. Surroundings
Disturbance in the environment may also contribute to the disorder’s complexity. People may have had negative experiences in the past, prompting them to create barriers around them. When people are under stress, they are more likely to engage in behaviors that are connected to eating disorders. There may also be other relevant variables such as –
. a traumatic childhood
. Peer/social pressure
. Relationship issues in the family or elsewhere
. Abused physically and sexually
. Have you been bullied because of your body image?
v. Stress
When you’re stressed Stress causes a slew of health problems. It has a physical as well as an emotional impact. People who suffer from eating disorders may have aberrant chemical reactions in their bodies, which can cause mood swings and stress. People who are constantly stressed also suffer the symptoms.
What Are The Signs That You Might Have An Eating Disorder?
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are two eating disorders that are becoming more frequent. Eating disorders mostly affect adolescent girls and young women, although they can also impact males and older women. To avoid significant health problems, anyone with this medical/psychological condition should be addressed as soon as feasible. Detection and treatment at an early stage can truly save lives.
If a person has an eating issue, there are specific indications and symptoms to look for. Below is a list of the most frequent ones. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these behaviors, you or they may require professional assistance. To get properly examined, diagnosed, and treated, talk to your parents, a health counsellor, or another adult you trust.
Physical signs and symptoms
- Significant weight reduction (for people suffering from anorexia nervosa)
- Changes in weight (for people with bulimia nervosa). The weight may fluctuate or remain stable within the usual range.
- Cold intolerance. The person is easily chilled.
- Abdominal discomfort, constipation, acid reflux, and other digestive problems on a regular basis
- Feeling dizzy and fainting at times
- Either excessive vigor or lethargy, or alternating sensations of these two states
- Menstrual irregularities • Oral health problems (such as cavities, tooth discoloration and tooth sensitivity)
- Hair, nails, and skin that is dry. Hair loss and brittle nails are other possible symptoms.
- Inadequate wound healing and immune system function. She is susceptible to the flu and other common illnesses.
- Salivary glands swollen (along the neck and jaw areas)
Behavioral indicators
- Hide weight loss by layering or wearing loose clothing (and also to stay warm)
- Obsession with losing weight and dieting. The individual is highly concerned about dietary options and nutritional information (calories, fat content, etc.). She might refuse to consume some foods entirely, such as carbohydrates or lipids.
- Frequently implying that she is obese or overweight, despite the fact that this is clearly not the case.
- Frequently claiming that she is not hungry, even when she should be. Skipping meals or eating very little during meals
- Binge-eating (eating a lot of food in a short period of time) on occasion • Purging Going to the bathroom during or after meals, vomiting, or taking laxatives and diuretics are all ways to do this.
- Odd food rituals, such as chewing excessively, not allowing various food items on her plate to contact, and only eating specific types of food (for example, vegetables and salads only)
- Drinking a lot of water or non-caloric beverages
- Food hoarding in unexpected locations
- Excessive working out
- Constantly checking her appearance in the mirror
• Difficulty sleeping or obtaining a good night’s sleep.
Symptoms and indications of emotional distress
• Has extreme mood swings
• Has an intense and unreasonable fear of gaining weight
• Has a distorted image of her body
• May have low self-esteem
• Fears eating in public or feels uncomfortable while eating with others
• Prefers to be alone and withdraws from friends and social events
• Has extreme mood swings
• Has an intense and unreasonable fear of gaining weight
The existence of these signs and symptoms does not always mean that the individual has an eating disorder. Only a trained medical expert can fully identify the problem, therefore make an appointment as soon as possible.
