We all have experienced past physical and emotional struggles and will experience these issues from time to time in the future. It's part of life. Some attempt to control or change their life by becoming overly disciplined or even punishing with their eating. Some attempt to gain social approval by conforming to what they consider to be societal expectations of the perfect or desired body type. These struggles may develop into eating disorders.
Eating disorders cannot be attributed solely to eating habits, food choices or availability, family heredity history, examples set by peers or family, discipline, self-control, or exercise, feelings of lack of control over oneself or life, although some or all of those factors may be present in those suffering from an eating disorder.
Things that are good for us, whether it be eating, exercising, or sleeping when taken to an extreme in either direction...too much or not enough...cause problems in both our physical and mental health.
In the workplace, businesses are often looking for the "right image" in professionals they hire and may avoid hiring those who are too overweight or too thin. This causes increased rejection to the person already struggling with their body image, may cause them to avoid seeking help to address their eating disorder, and also causes businesses to miss out on some highly skilled professionals who could be of great value to their company. Some businesses are realizing this and developing health incentive programs at work for all their employees that encourage (& allow time for) walking during the work day, provide healthy nutrition resources and food choices at work (with time to eat away from the desk, unhurried), and support employees who develop and lead healthier lives. When it's seen as a team effort, praised, and encouraged, this, in turn, increases job satisfaction and productivity. Read More...
Anorexia Nervosa.
This disorder occurs when a person refuses to maintain normal weight for age & height, eventually leading to a weight medically considered 15%, or more, below that which is expected.
The individual will experience an intense fear of weight gain or becoming fat, even though underweight. They develop a distorted, overly critical view of their body weight or shape or deny the seriousness of their low body weight.
Women will experience an absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles. Both men and women struggling with Anorexia may restrict eating or regularly binge-eat and purge (self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, diuretics, enemas, other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise).
Bulimia, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorders.
These individuals frequently binge eat, feeling a lack of eating control during the binge episode.
Bulimia Nervosa:
Bulimia Nervosa is a specific subtype of bulimia. The key difference lies in the purging behaviors that follow bingeing. In bulimia nervosa, individuals engage in compensatory actions such as vomiting or laxative use.
Symptoms: Recurrent Binge & Purge Eating: Individuals experience episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period. During these episodes, they feel a loss of control and are unable to stop eating. After bingeing, they exhibit behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, or excessive exercise to eliminate the calories consumed. Their self-image is closely tied to their weight or appearance. Bulimia Nervosa includes purging (forcing oneself to vomit) behaviors after bingeing.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Symptoms: Individuals with BED also experience episodes of consuming more food than usual in a very short time. They feel guilty about eating this much at once. Unlike bulimia, individuals with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviors (such as vomiting, purging, or excessive exercise) after bingeing.
Diagnosis: The DSM-5 criteria for BED include recurrent binge eating without purging behaviors. Doctors and Mental Health Professionals also use interviews and compare symptoms to the DSM-5 criteria for bulimia diagnosis. The key difference lies in the presence or absence of purging. Bulimia involves purging after bingeing, while BED does not exhibit compensatory behaviors. Seeking professional help is crucial for both disorders.
Those with eating disorders recurrently try not to gain weight from bingeing by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise. Their bingeing & purging behavior occurs, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months. They tend to be overly critical of body shape and weight. This is when a person frequently has binge eating episodes but does not engage in purging or compensatory behavior to try to prevent weight gain.
Numerous medical complications may occur as a result of an eating disorder. Some of these are depression, heart problems, kidney damage, teeth/gum erosion, ulcers, memory/concentration problems, sleep disturbances, and deteriorating hair, skin, and nail quality. Although those with eating disorders are typically trying to become thin, they inadvertently trigger a slowdown of their metabolism, actually making it more difficult to lose weight. They may also experience differences in brain activity, fertility issues, and decreased bone strength.
It is imperative to seek immediate mental health counseling. It is also vital to receive medical care, dental care, and treatment for any possible side effects of the eating disorder. Working with a dietician is very helpful to learn more about metabolism and develop new healthy eating habits.
What is Binge Eating?
Not all eating disorders are those who refuse to eat, or who binge and then purge eat. Some individuals look to food as comfort to address crisis, unhappiness, distraction, lack of self-esteem, or do not receive the brain's usual "I am full" alerts from their body or stomach when they eat. They may be extremely overweight, and develop secondary issues such as low energy, high blood pressure, diabetes, joint and movement difficulty, and mental health issues related to depression, anxiety, or hopelessness. Exercise may initially be difficult due to the weight they are bearing on their back, joints, knees, and feet. It is wise to be under a doctor's oversight for the most effective management of weight loss, recommended exercise programs, and healthy lifestyles in conjunction with a mental health professional and a dietary professional.
What is Diabulimia? Diabulimia is a life-threatening eating disorder where a person with Type-1 diabetes withholds insulin to lose weight. The person may have multiple eating disorders, such as binging and purging or they may decrease or miss insulin dosages in an attempt to quickly lose weight, while they have healthy eating patterns at other times.
Common Triggers:
Those suffering from eating disorders may also reflect poor interpersonal skills development, difficulty regulating emotions, difficulty tolerating distress, and uncertainty about personal feelings and thoughts. They replay elf-hatred thoughts repeatedly, which makes the individual feel they are not good enough and may have an overly determined or driven approach. Sadly, they often also have a willingness to overlook basic needs.
Did you know?
Eating disorders most often start between the ages of 14-19. Onset after age 21 is rare. 8 to 12 binges per week are average for those with bulimia nervosa or binge eaters. 20% of the individuals diagnosed with BED are obese.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric disorders. Seek help as soon as possible if you, or someone you know or love, are showing symptoms related to an eating disorder. Addressing eating disorder issues can save a life...and help prevent future issues related to esteem, physical health, and positive mental health.
Here are valuable resources for individuals dealing with eating disorders, regardless of body size:
Project HEAL: Project HEAL aims to create a world where everyone with an eating disorder has the opportunities and resources they need to heal. Their programs break down systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers that millions of people in the U.S. face when trying to heal from their eating disorders. Programs include clinical assessment, insurance navigation, treatment placement, cash assistance, and meal support.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Provides a helpline for support and information with a Diabulimia Helpline specifically for individuals dealing with diabulimia. NEDA Resource Center offers Free and Low-Cost Support and provides information on free and low-cost support options for eating disorders.
F.E.A.S.T: Provides support and education resources to parents and caregivers of loved ones impacted by eating disorders.
ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders): Provides a free peer support community that helps anyone struggling with an eating disorder. Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights
Great Nonprofits: Eating Disorders & Addictions: Volunteer and Donate: Explore top-rated eating disorders and addictions nonprofits. Consider volunteering or donating to support their work.
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