Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are actually prevalent worldwide, and they are serious health conditions that can affect both physical and mental health.

Eating disorders

An eating disorder is a mental health condition that affects the eating habits of a person and how they see themselves.

Eating disorders can affect anyone at any age, and they have several types:

• Anorexia nervosa.
• Binge eating disorder.
• Bulimia nervosa.
• Rumination syndrome: in this condition, undigested food returns to a person’s mouth after swallowing.
• Pica: eating weird things compulsively, like chalk, paint, and dirt.
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): limiting food intake due to reasons that are related to causes other than body weight and self-image.

Causes and risk factors of eating disorders

• There isn’t a clear reason behind eating disorders, but it’s thought that they occur due to several factors: genetics, brain biology, cultural and social norms, and underlying mental health conditions.
• The risk of eating disorders increases due to the following factors: experiencing a physical, emotional, or sexual trauma, stress, being bullied for weight, going through a major change in life, participating in activities that require a specific body weight and size, having a personality that strives for perfection, and having type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms of eating disorders

Symptoms of eating disorders differ depending on the type, but in general, they can cause:

Extreme tiredness.

• Mood swings.
• Dizziness.
• Fainting.
• Hair thinning or hair loss.
• Unusual sweating.
• A significant weight change.
• Eating disorders can lead to dramatically serious complications, including heart problems, low blood pressure, organ failure, brain damage, stroke, tooth damage, irregular periods, severe dehydration, osteoporosis, constipation, GERD, gastrointestinal problems, growth and development problems, isolation, social and relationship problems, substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Diagnosis of eating disorders

• Physical exam.
• Mental health evaluation.
• General tests.

Treatment of eating disorders

• Psychotherapy.
• Medications.
• Following a healthy diet.
• Support from loved ones.
• The risk of eating disorders can be reduced by following a healthy diet and counseling an expert, exercising regularly, seeking help when needed, and being a good role model for children.