EATING DISORDERS

EATING DISORDERS :

Eating disorders include illnesses that comprises of irregular eating  habits , and distress about the shape and/or weight of the body.  The most common forms of eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Eating disorders develops during the teenage years   and can have a detrimental effect on the overall wellbeing of a patient if not addressed properly.

Anorexia Nervosa :  A male or female suffering from Anorexia Nervosa shall have an unrealistic fear of gaining weight along with a negative body image since they would perceive themselves as overweight. This can lead to severe health complications such as infertility, multiple organ failure , etc. Therefore it becomes mandatory to get it treated as soon as possible.

Bulimia Nervosa :   This is characterized by repeated binge eating and then compensatory behaviour for overeating such as forced vomiting, exercise, or extreme use of laxatives. Bulimia can have injured effects like gastrointestinal problems, severe dehydration and heart issues.

Binge Eating :   Individual suffering from Binge eating will lose control over their eating and binge eating is not followed by compensatory behaviours. This would make them obese and also can lead to a lot of health issues.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AN EATING DISORDER :

1.      Constant weight fluctuations

2.      Lethargy

3.      Obsession with food

4.      Social withdrawal

5.      Switching between overeating and fasting

6.      Dieting behaviour despite weight loss

7.      Dress in layers to hide weight loss and/or to stay warm

8.      Deny feeling hungry

9.      Stealing or hoarding food in secret places

10.  Unusual swelling of cheeks and jaw area

11.  Sleep issues

12.  Muscle weakness

13.  Dry skin

Treatment of Eating Disorders :

·         Nutrition :  This would involve weight stabilization through meal planning.

·         Therapy : Therapy is important since it would help the individual in recovering from traumatic life events and also would help in dealing with negative mindset. Therapy also helps in learning coping mechanisms and healthy ways of expressing emotions and communication.

·         Medication : Some medication can be effective in dealing with the mood swings that accompany a mood disorder.

·         Medical health care :  Medical health care can help in addressing consequences that accompany eating disorders.

·         Divert your mind : Do not forget to go to a movie, play with pets,  reaf a good book or just hang out with friends.

·         Pamper yourself :  Pamper ourselves and stay away from fashion magazines which makes you compare your own body with others. Take care of yourself and choose dress up for yourself.  Also stay active by engaging yourselves in your favourite hobby.

·         Support system : It is very important to develop a solid support system so that they encourage you to maintain healthy regime.

·         Love and accept yourself : Learn to love and accept your body as it is .