How many of you are familiar with the term EATING DISORDERS? Rather we are quite familiar with the terms rapid weight loss, hard diet or binge eating. All these terms are so related to each other. So, here is something we all need to know about eating disorders.
Eating disorder is not a lifestyle or choice, it is actually a mental disorder that can affect people physically, psychologically and socially. And most importantly it can affect anyone but prevalence is high in young women. First of all, let’s address one of the eating disorders which is on the increase – ANOREXIA NERVOSA. It is self induced food avoidance and the most distinctive point is one may consider herself as fat despite being grossly underweight. It is often accompanied with obsessive compulsive disorder. There is another monster called BULIMIA NERVOSA. In this specific type, people recurrently embarks on eating binges, followed by corrective measures such as self induced vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics. Here comes the most popular one – BINGE EATING DISORDER. In this disease, eating large amounts of foods rapidly, may be in secret and until uncomfortably full, despite not feeling hungry are the main symptoms. Feelings of distress such as shame, disgust or guilt may be present.
There is a saying, ” Stop letting food be the boss of you.” Yes, we are the ones who are supposed to control our foods, not the food that is supposed to control us. Many of you had some queries about how you would know that someone is suffering from eating disorders. So, here I am focusing on that point. Here are some of the most common warning signs and symptoms you should be aware of –
Psychological Signs
1.Preoccupation with eating, food, weight, bodyshape
2.Feeling anxious, irritable around meal times
3.Feeling “out of control” around food
4.Distorted body image
5.Use food as a source of comfort or punishment as well.
Behavioral Signs
1.Eating in private or avoiding meal in front of other people
2.Evidence of binge eating
3.Frequent trips to bathroom during or shortly after meal
4.Extreme sensitivity to comments about body shape, weight, eating habits.
Physical Signs
1. Rapid weight loss or frequent weight changes.
2.Disturbance of menstruation
3.Dizziness, tiredness, lethargy, low energy
4.Sleep disturbance
So, if you have recognized one or more of the above signs – symptoms in someone you care about , you need to seek help. Now it’s time to finally talk about what to do about eating disorders. So, suppose you found some symptoms in yourself. The journey to recovery starts with admitting that you have a problem and it’s okay to seek help and you need to get better.
SPEAK OUT : Once you have decided to make a change, you need to open up about your problem with a person you feel comfortable with. This could be a friend, family member or even your counselor. This person can be helpful to you in the process of reaching out for treatment, accompanying you to see a doctor, mental and emotional support throughout the journey to recovery.
SPECIFIC TREATMENT : Then you need to reach out for specific treatment. A team approach is usually best which should include doctors, mental health professionals and nutritionists. And the whole treatment process includes –
1.Medical treatment : First priority is to stabilize any serious health issues. Hospitalization is necessary if someone is dangerously malnourished, suffering from medical complications, severely depressed or suicidal.
2.Nutritional counselling : Nutritionists will help to plan a balanced meal plan, set dietary goal and maintain a healthy weight.
3.Therapy : Therapy plays the most important role in eating disorder treatment. Its goals are to identify negative thoughts and feelings behind eating disorders and to replace them with healthier attitudes. Therapy includes –
– Cognitive Behavior Therapy
– Interpersonal Therapy
– Family Therapy Recovery from an eating disorder means not only giving up unhealthy eating behaviors but also learning to cope with emotional pain and most importantly accepting yourself beyond your weight and body image.
Written by Jarjina
