What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, characterised by unhealthy eating habits and distorted beliefs about body weight or shape. They can lead to physical and emotional problems.
What are the symptoms of an eating disorder?
Common symptoms of eating disorders include:
- excessive weight loss or gain
- obsession with food, weight or body image
- restrictive eating or binge eating
- excessive exercise
- purging behaviour (vomiting, laxative abuse)
- social isolation
- mood swings
Who can suffer from an eating disorder?
Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. However, they are more common in young women and girls.
How many types of eating disorders are there?
Common types of eating disorders include:
- anorexia nervosa: restrictive eating leading to dangerously low weight.
- Bulimia nervosa: a habit of vomiting after eating too much.
- Binge eating disorder: episodes of excessive eating without any compensatory behaviors.
- Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): persistent refusal to eat because of concerns about sensory qualities, fear of choking, or negative associations with food.
Although there are no definitive medical tests for eating disorders, a healthcare professional can diagnose them based on a thorough evaluation, including:
What tests are available for eating disorders?
- Clinical interview: assessing symptoms, eating habits, and body image.
- Physical examination: checking for signs of malnutrition or other health problems.
- Psychological evaluation: evaluating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
What is the treatment for eating disorders?
Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a variety of approaches, including:
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy, and interpersonal therapy are effective.
- Nutrition counseling: Helping individuals develop healthy eating habits and improve their relationship with food.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be used to address underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety.
What diet should I follow?
A healthy and balanced diet is important for recovery from eating disorders. A registered dietitian can provide individualized guidance on nutrition. It’s important to avoid restrictive diets or extreme measures.
Which doctor will treat eating disorders?
• Psychologist
Can eating disorders be completely cured?
Recovering from eating disorders is possible, but it often requires long-term treatment and support. Although many challenges may arise during this time, with the right care, individuals can overcome eating disorders and lead healthy, satisfying lives
