Last month discussed body dysmorphia and how dangerous that can be. This can lead to different types of eating disorders depending on how severe a person’s body dysmorphia may be. Looking in the mirror and believing someone must lose weight or gain muscle could lead to eating in ways that are very dangerous to health. Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and orthorexia are different eating disorders that are very unhealthy and should be fought.
Eating disorders are defined as behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. Physical, psychological, and social function can all be seriously affected by this. An eating disorder often occurs alongside other psychiatric disorders. Mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and alcohol and substance use disorders are the ones that most commonly occur along with eating disorders. Eating disorders are treatable but can be fatal if left alone and not under control.
About 5% of the population is affected by eating disorders, which are most often developed during adolescence and young adulthood. They can occur at any age and affect any gender; however, it is more common for women to develop them. Less than 6% of those who meet the criteria for eating disorders are considered “underweight”. It is more common for those in larger bodies to develop eating disorders. This includes about 40% of “overweight” girls and 20% of “overweight” boys. Athletes may also be at a higher risk for developing an eating disorder, but this may be hard to detect due to secretiveness, stigma, and symptom presentation. These are also reasons why athletes are less likely to seek treatment for any eating disorder.
There is evidence showing genes and heritability playing part in why some people are at a higher risk for an eating disorder. That does not mean people without a family history have no chance of fighting an eating disorder. Everyone is susceptible, but there is evidence suggesting a person’s genetic makeup may play a role in risk. Research is still being done to find a better understanding of eating disorders and brain activity has been shown to be another risk factor. Differences in brain activity patterns between women with eating disorders and women who were considered healthy were found during research, showing how brain activity may play a part in risk. Research like this guides the development of new means of diagnosis as well as treatment for these disorders.
Treatment is available for anyone fighting an eating disorder. Treatment is very important as eating disorders can be fatal without it. There is a higher risk for suicide and medical complications for those fighting. Plans must be tailored to individual needs and could include one or more ideas, such as any form of psychotherapy, medical care, nutritional counseling, and medication. Psychotherapy includes different options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family-based therapy, and group cognitive behavioral therapy. Nutritional counseling and education can be helpful and would include the involvement of registered dieticians and other professionals that can help a person reach their goals. Medications will not cure an eating disorder; however, they can be effective when it is combined with therapy. Antidepressants are the most common type of medication used, but others may be used depending on the situation. Serious physical or mental health problems can result in medical care, specifically hospitalization. This is to stabilize acute medical symptoms through beginning the process of normalizing eating and weight. Treatment is available and vital for those fighting an eating disorder.
There are multiple types of eating disorders out there and our society may play a part in the development of them. Society has a picture of what a man and what a woman should look like. This can lead to body dysmorphia that can develop into an eating disorder. Men and women may feel the pressure to have a certain appearance, causing them to take extreme steps to look “perfect”. Eating disorders are dangerous and if you are concerned a loved way may be fighting, let them know they do not have to live up to any societal standard and there is treatment available to be a healthy individual.
