All About Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterised by irregular eating habits that can negatively impact a person’s physical and mental well-being. These disorders are often associated with unhealthy eating patterns, either through excessive or restricted food intake, and can be harmful without appropriate intervention.

Although eating disorders can affect individuals of any age, they are most common among adolescents and young adults. With timely and effective treatment, most people can recover and regain their health.

Types of Eating Disorders

1. Anorexia Nervosa:Characterised by extreme restriction of food, intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted perception of body image, individuals with anorexia may view themselves as overweight even when underweight.
2. Bulimia Nervosa:This involves repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory actions such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use. People with bulimia are often at a normal or near-normal weight but may fear weight gain and feel dissatisfied with their bodies.
3. Binge Eating Disorder: Individuals with binge eating disorder frequently consume large amounts of food quickly, often to the point of discomfort, without subsequent compensatory behaviour. This often leads to weight gain and associated health problems.
4. Pica:Defined by the persistent consumption of non-food substances, such as dirt, chalk, or paper, for at least one month. Pica is inappropriate for the individual’s developmental level.
5. Rumination Disorder:Characterised by repetitive regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. This behaviour is not due to any medical condition and typically occurs frequently, several times a week.
6. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID):ARFID involves limited food intake or avoidance based on the sensory aspects of food, often leading to weight loss, nutritional deficiency, or social difficulties. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, this disorder does not involve concerns over body weight or shape.

Risk Factors

Eating disorders arise from a combination of biological, psychological, environmental, behavioural, and developmental factors:

• Biological: Family history of eating disorders, certain brain chemical imbalances, and female gender (eating disorders are more common in females) are contributing factors.
• Psychological: Traits like perfectionism, low self-esteem, and mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression can increase risk.
• Environmental: Societal and cultural emphasis on thinness, media portrayal of ideal body types, and peer influence often play significant roles.
• Behavioural: Dieting history and involvement in weight-focused sports, such as gymnastics or ballet, can contribute to risk.
• Family dynamics: An emphasis on weight, appearance, and family conflicts can create an environment where eating disorders may develop.
• Developmental: Puberty, body changes, and major life transitions, such as a new school or relocation, can increase vulnerability.

Recognising Symptoms

Behavioural and emotional signs

• Preoccupation with weight and body shape
• Avoidance of social events involving food
• Self-induced vomiting or laxative use post-eating
• Excessive exercise
• Mood changes, including anxiety, withdrawal, or depression

Physical signs

• Frequent coldness, fatigue, or dizziness
• Poor circulation, resulting in tingling in limbs
• Rapid heart rate or fainting
• Digestive issues, such as bloating or constipation
• Underweight or overweight for one’s age and height
• Absent menstrual cycles or delayed puberty

Health Complications

Individuals with eating disorders are at risk of severe health consequences, including:

• Osteopenia or osteoporosis from reduced bone density
• Muscle atrophy and general weakness
• Brittle hair and nails.
• Dry and yellowish skin.
• Growth of fine hair over the entire body (lanugo).
• Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation
• Low body temperature and blood pressure, leading to frequent cold sensations
• Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and dental issues from frequent vomiting
• Potential heart attacks or strokes due to severe electrolyte imbalance

Diagnosis of Eating Disorders

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals, including:

1. Medical history and physical exam: Open discussion of eating habits and exercise patterns to provide a complete understanding of symptoms.
2. Mental health evaluation: Assessments of mood, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms using structured interviews or standard questionnaires.
3. Lab tests: Blood or urine tests to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
4. Additional tests: Specific tests may be performed to eliminate other conditions that could explain the symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or gastrointestinal issues.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment for eating disorders is tailored to the individual’s needs and often includes a combination of:

1. Psychotherapy: Individual or group-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change distressing thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. Psychotherapy is commonly facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.
2. Nutritional counselling: A coordinated effort with dietitians or counsellors to develop healthier eating patterns and help maintain a balanced weight.
3. Medications: Antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilisers are sometimes used to alleviate symptoms of eating disorders and manage coexisting anxiety or depression.

Research shows that educational programmes can reduce the risk of eating disorders by addressing factors such as body dissatisfaction, unrealistic admiration of thinness, and dieting. Increasing awareness of the psychological and physical dangers associated with eating disorders has also been found to be beneficial.

Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, schedule an appointment with Gleneagles Hospitals for compassionate and expert care. Our dedicated team of psychologists and dietitians is here to support and guide you on the path to recovery, providing tailored treatment plans that prioritise mental and physical health.