Eating disorders – A Misery not love for Eating

Eating disorders nowadays are as real as any other mental ailment. When one is not comfortable in their skin, whether it be body weight or body image it sometimes causes a person to develop an unhealthy relationship with food. But it’s sometimes a mistaken idea that these disorders are just about food, rather they are deeply rooted in psychological, biological and societal factors. Thousands, millions of individuals no matter the age, gender or social background suffer from eating disorders and the numbers are increasing.

These disorders might begin with a desire to improve oneself or become healthier, they might quickly shapeshift into life – threatening and obsessive conditions. They cause severe emotional and physical complications, emotional distress, withdrawal from society and even loved ones as they not only affect the body but also the mind.

Understanding the what and why’s of eating disorders:

What are eating disorders-

They are a mental ailment categorized by unusual or irregular eating habits. As per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), eating disorders are induced by a preoccupation with body-image (body shape & weight) and food, resulting in more severe consequences like, binge eating, restriction or abstinence from food altogether.

 Though they affect people of all ages, most commonly they are diagnosed during adolescence or young adulthood. They can have severe or even fatal consequences if left untreated.

Types of eating disorders:

1. Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is described by fear of gaining weight, self-starvation and warped body image.

People with anorexia may see themselves as obese or overweight even when someone is alarmingly overweight.

Probable symptoms-

• Fear of being overweight
• Preoccupation with calories, dieting etc
• Abstaining from eating
• Denying hunger
• Rigorous exercise, ignoring body limits

2. Bulimia Nervosa

It is characterized by binge-eating followed by actions like vomiting, severe exercise and fasting to avoid gaining weight.

Probable symptoms-

• Frequent binge eating episodes
• Loss of control midst binges
• Voiding through vomiting or laxatives
• Swelling on face around the cheeks and jaw
• Habit of waiting secretively

3. Binge-eating Disorders (BED)

It is a common disorder involving recurring episodes of bingeing large amounts of food, but unlike Bulimia, the person does not try to compensate for binge eating by trying to purge consumed food.

Probable symptoms-

• Rapidly consuming food until discomfort
• Eating huge quantities without hunger
• Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating
• Eating alone due to shame

4. Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

It is characterized by extreme abstinence or restraint in food intake due to taste sensitivity, fear of choking or simply being uninterested.

Probable symptoms-

• Considerably significant weight loss or failure to gain weight
• Nutrition deficiency
• Dependence on supplements 
• Avoidance of specific food texture or colours

Causes of eating disorders:

1. Psychological 

• Low self esteem- feelings of inadequacy or depression may give rise to eating disorders.
• Trauma and abuse- past psychological, physical and emotional trauma can contribute to eating disorders.
• Other mental health disorders- eating disorders may also arise as an accessory to other mental health conditions like OCD, anxiety, depression etc.

2. Sociocultural 

• Social media influence- false and unreal body and lifestyle standards may become a contributing factor.
• Cultural and societal pressure- societies that value a certain body image may increase the risk.
• Peer pressure- young adults, adolescents and even grown adults might become prone to irregular or harmful eating habits due to a desire for acceptance among peer groups.

3. Biological and genetic

• Genetics – having a family history of eating disorders might increase the risk.
• Imbalance in brain chemicals and hormones may influence eating habits and behavior.

4. Environmental 

• Family situations – have controlling, critical or neglectful family atmosphere 
• Dieting – recurring dieting or abusive weight control behaviors can lead to eating disorders.

Prevention:

• Teaching teenagers and young people about mental health issues.
• School activities addressing low self esteem, bullying and peer pressure.
• Promoting body positivity and self love.
• Early diagnosis by identifying early warning signs and encouraging having open conversations regarding mental health in schools and at home.
• Realistic portrayal of what is normal beauty and body image.
• Focussing on health and well being rather than appearance.

Challenges: 

• Denial and resistance – many people do not even recognise their behavior as problematic.
• Relapse – the journey to recovery often involves bouts of improvements followed by setbacks.
• Stigma – societal misconceptions may hinder healing.
• Procrastination – lack of commitment might also become a reason for relapse and setbacks.

Recovery:

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible but it is long and challenging. It takes months or even years to recover. It requires continuous support, hardwork, understanding and sometimes years of therapy. Individuals might suffer setbacks but recovery from such conditions is a journey for both mental and physical healing.

A healthy relationship with food, improved self esteem and body image, ability to handle emotional moments without falling back into disorderly eating behaviors and reconnecting with loved ones and one’s own life are the cobblestones in the path to success in recovering from eating disorders.

Conclusion:

Eating disorders are severe mental health conditions that demand care, concern, compassion and attention. They are not only deeply rooted psychological disorders that are more than just lifestyle choices or life phases and require long term support and treatment.

Suffering from eating disorders is bad and for reducing it causes must be known, recognising the symptoms must be done so that diagnosis can be done and through proper diagnosis treatment can be given at the earliest.

It is very necessary to understand that disorders like eating disorders do exist and not consider them like just a habit. Being fat shamed or body shamed are so common that kids do it without knowing and even adults find it like a joke to make fun of someone’s body or eating habits. Making fun of people is no more fun as there is a need to understand the difference between “having fun or making fun”. Sometimes people suffering from eating disorders get so conscious while having their food that they try to avoid eating in front of others. So don’t judge a person for his eating habits, rather try to talk to them about it and help them.