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Eating disorders are not strictly related to eating. They are complex mental health disorders that require intervention on the psychological and the nutritional levels. 

 

Quick Facts About Eating Disorders

• A person suffering from an eating disorder has a distorted perception of his weight, body shape, and eating habits (1). 

• Eating disorders primarily affect adolescents and young adult women, but could affect men too (2). 

• If left untreated, they could be fatal. However, with proper medical care, patients can regain their physical, psychological and emotional health (3).

 

3 Main Eating Disorders

The 3 most common eating disorders are: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder (4).

 

Anorexia Nervosa

 

What is it?

• Voluntary self-starvation and emaciation. 

• Weight loss is seen as a sign of achievement, while weight gain is associated with loss of self-control. 

• Episodes of binge eating followed by purging may occur.

 

Diagnostic Criteria (3, 4)

• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimal normal weight for age and height.

• Intense fear of gaining weight.

• Disturbance in the way in which one perceives their body shape.

• Menstrual periods cease.

• Dizziness or fainting from dehydration.

• Brittle hair/nails.

• Muscle weakness. 

• Heartburn and reflux (in those who vomit).

• Severe constipation, bloating and fullness after meals.

• Stress fractures from excessive exercise. 

• Depression, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, and fatigue.

 

Bulimia Nervosa

 

What is it?

Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by an inappropriate behavior to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, or excessive fasting or exercise.

 

Diagnostic Criteria (3, 4)

• Binge eating followed by inappropriate behavior to compensate weight gain (at least twice a week for 3 months). 

• Frequent trips to the bathroom right after meals.

• Large amounts of food disappearing or unexplained empty wrappers and food containers.

• Chronic sore throat.

• Swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks.

• Dental decay resulting from erosion of tooth enamel by stomach acid.

• Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux.

• Laxative or diet pill misuse.

• Recurrent unexplained diarrhea.

• Feeling dizzy or fainting from excessive purging behaviors resulting in dehydration.

 

Binge Eating

 

What is it?

A condition characterized by excessive eating in a short period of time with no purging afterwards.

 

Diagnostic Criteria (3, 4)

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating without purging (at least once a week for 3 months).

• Eating more rapidly than normal.

• Eating until uncomfortably full.

• Eating large amounts of food when not feeling hungry.

• Eating alone out of embarrassment of the food quantities ingested. 

• Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed or very guilty after eating.

 

Keep In Mind

• We all have our insecurities. You are not alone. If you’re struggling with any of these disorders, don’t hesitate to seek immediate help.

• If you notice symptoms of eating disorders on your beloved ones, consult a physician and get professional guidance. Remember! Not all symptoms will show on every person suffering from an eating disorder. It all depends on the stage and severity of the disorder. 

• Causes and management of eating disorders are still under researched. Giving more attention to such cases could change and save lives.

 

References

1. Treasure J, Duarte TA, Schmidt U. Eating disorders. Lancet. 2020 Mar 14;395(10227):899-911. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30059-3. PMID: 32171414.

2. Fairburn CG, Harrison PJ. Eating disorders. Lancet. 2003 Feb 1;361(9355):407-16. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)12378-1. PMID: 12573387.

3. American Psychiatric Association 

4. Mahan L K, Escott-Stump S 2000. Krause’s Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy (10th ed). Saunder