Eating Disorders

Definition Eating disorders are a group of serious conditions in which you're so preoccupied with food and weight that you can often focus on little else.

Causes The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. As with other mental illnesses, there may be many causes. Possible causes of eating disorders include: Biology-(Family) Psychological and emotional health-(Low self- esteem, perfectionism, and relationships) Society-(Media)

Serious Stuff Eating disorders can cause serious physical problems and, at their most severe, can even be life-threatening. Most people with eating disorders are females, but males can also have eating disorders. An exception is binge-eating disorder, which appears to affect almost as many males as females.

Red Flags Skipping meals Making excuses for not eating Eating only a few certain "safe" foods, usually those low in fat and calories Adopting rigid meal or eating rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or spitting food out after chewing Persistent worry or complaining about being fat

Continued… A distorted body image, such as complaining about being fat despite being underweight Not wanting to eat in public Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws Wearing baggy or layered clothing

Types of Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating

Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by the refusal to eat. It can affect anyone of any gender or age but disproportionately affects young women in their late teens and early twenties.

Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by cyclical bingeing and purging episodes. Bingeing is defined as the consumption of more food than most other people would eat in a similar circumstance over a discrete period of time accompanied by a sense of lack of control over the food consumption.

Binge Eating Binge Eating is newly-recognized and is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating that occur twice weekly or more for a period of at least six months. During bingeing, a larger than normal amount of food is consumed in a short time frame and the person engaging in the bingeing behavior feels a lack of control over the eating.

Complications Death Multiple organ failure Depression Bone loss Stunted growth Digestive problems Kidney damage Severe tooth decay

Treatment Treatments for eating disorders usually involve psychotherapy, nutrition education, family counseling, medications and hospitalization.

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