Eating Disorders; Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Overview

An eating disorder is a serious mental disorder characterized by an abnormal eating habit, it occurs in various forms such as binge eating disorder; consuming large amounts of food in a short time (anorexia nervosa), food avoidant or eating very little quantity of food (bulimia nervosa), rumination/spitting up food from the stomach to either chew again or spit it out (ruminating syndrome) and occasional craving and chewing of non-food substances such as clay, ice or paper (Pica).  

An eating disorder occurs as a result of paying too much attention to body weight, it poses a lot of damage to the people suffering from it, affecting their mental health, life productivity and overall wellness. Eating disorders have not been connected to any illness yet and their exact cause is unknown but what is known is that they may occur as a result of cultural and social factors, stress, nutritional deficiencies or pregnancy.

Causes of Eating Disorders

Just like other mental illnesses, the causes may include;

• Genetics factors: certain genes may predispose people to increased risk of developing eating disorders. 

• Biological factors: changes in brain chemicals may play a strong role in eating disorders.

• Psychological and emotional health: 

This is the reason for most cases of eating disorders. The patients initially exhibit behaviours relating to low self-esteem, perfectionism, deeply troubled relationships and impulsive behaviour.

There are many cases of eating disorders amongst millennials and Gen Zs, the reason is due to the cultural emphasis on thinness, especially when it is linked to success and class. Mainstream media alongside social media have contributed largely to this problem, both have created a misleading and unrealistic image of the perfect, successful person as looking thin and without weight. The resulting pressure to be thin and model-like has led many to intense dieting, even at a very young age.

Certain professions most likely lead to eating disorders; models, gymnasts, actors etc.

12 per cent of dancers suffer from at least, one form or an eating disorder. 

Individuals who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to develop eating disorders. 

Pica and rumination disorder occur more often in people with intellectual disabilities. 

At a time, only one eating disorder can be diagnosed.

Symptoms

The symptoms differ, depending on the type of eating disorder. Binge eating disorders; anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the most common eating disorders. Others which include rumination disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), where people have a selective or reduced food intake due to psychological reasons, occur in infants or people with mental disabilities.

Risk Factors

Teenage girls and young women are more likely to be sufferers of anorexia and bulimia. Meanwhile, men and boys can suffer it too. Study reports show that teenagers and adults in their early 20s make up the majority of the cases recorded. 

Factors that may increase the risk of developing eating disorders include:

• Family history; especially if the parents have also suffered from it in the past.

• Dieting and starvation; in people who desire to look thin and also people with low self-esteem.

• Stress

• Other mental health disorders; 

obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression or anxiety disorder.

Prevention

Most preventive measures concerning eating disorders are to be taken from the onset, it is as much of a cultural responsibility as well as a parental one.

• Parents should speak to their children on topics regarding body positivity, self-image, self-confidence and educate them on how to appreciate their body and be confident in it. Also, they should closely guide and filter the information kids take in with counsels. 

• Avoid the topic regarding dieting around children and teenagers:

The last thing a child needs is someone filling their head with the concept of dieting. Teenhood and childhood are formative years for self-confidence and positive self-image and so, it should be treated as sacred.

• Seek professional help early: Seek help from a doctor when the tendencies initially begin to surface, especially in children. A doctor will examine early indicators and follow it up with questions about feeding pattern and habits. The doctor, with the help of a nutritionist, will come up with plans for rehabilitation and healthy eating time practices.

Conclusion

The bottom line is, eating disorders can lead to death or cause serious damage to the mind and body. So, they need to be corrected as soon as they are noticed. When dieting becomes unhealthy, there's need going further with it. If you have a friend or family suffering from it, you should share this article with them and get them quick professional help, they should see a doctor.

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