When people think about addiction, they usually think of well-known addictive substances such as drugs and alcohol. Even though food is necessary for survival and healthy living, it is possible to become addicted to it. You have a feeding or eating disorder if you have a food-related addiction.
Eating disorders are a group of conditions characterised by abnormal or disrupted eating habits. This indicates that you don’t necessarily have a food addiction just because you overeat. Food addiction can also be linked to undereating.
If left untreated, eating disorders can have serious health effects, including death.
Many people struggle to understand eating disorders, maybe more than any other addiction. If you have anorexia, the remedy appears simple: eat more and gain weight. If you have a binge eating problem, simply eat less. Anyone suffering from an eating disorder has heard these statements many times, often with good intentions but always causing more harm than good. Of course, the reality is far from straightforward. Issues surrounding food and eating can dominate people with eating disorders’ everyday lives in ways they may feel powerless to manage.
Overeating, undereating, and purging ate food through improper measures such as laxatives, vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise are all symptoms of eating disorders. They manifest themselves in various ways and are quite personal to the afflicted individual.
There are numerous varieties of eating disorders, however, the following are the most common:
This is an eating disorder that most people are familiar with. It is most common throughout the adolescent years, and women are more likely than men to be affected. You will perceive yourself as overweight if you have anorexia nervosa, even if you are dangerously underweight. With this disease, you’ll keep a close eye on your weight, avoid certain foods, and try to restrict the number of overall calories you consume.
Another prevalent eating disorder that affects teenagers and young adults is bulimia nervosa. This condition occurs when a person consumes a considerable amount of food in a short time until they are completely full. It is also more prevalent in women.
Although forceful vomiting resembles binge-eating and purging, they are not the same. This is because most people with bulimia are of average weight and do not tend to become seriously underweight.
Although it was just recently recognised as a condition, it affects a large number of teenagers and young adults. Binge eating disorder is sometimes mistaken for the binge-eating subtypes of anorexia and bulimia. This is due to the fact that people with binge eating disorders eat unusually large amounts of food in a short period and are frequently unable to control their binges. The primary difference is that patients with binge eating disorders do not purge.
Pica is an eating disorder that has only lately been recognised. Non-food items such as dirt, soil, chalk, soap, paper, hair, fabric, pebbles, and even laundry detergent are craved by people with pica. Pica is most commonly found in children, teenagers, pregnant women, and disabled people.
This is another eating disorder that has only recently been identified. It is not to be confused with medical issues such as reflux because it is entirely voluntary. People with this disorder bring up food they’ve already eaten and either re-swallow it or spit it out. This is usually done within the first 30 minutes after a meal has been had. This disorder is more common in children.
It’s also known as ARFID, and it’s a brand-new term for infancy and early childhood feeding disorders. The previously-mentioned condition was only diagnosed in youngsters under the age of seven. However, the classification had to be changed because the condition had expanded into a diagnosis that included both infancy and adulthood. The illness affects both men and women equally. Disturbed eating is a significant component of this disorder, which can be caused by a lack of appetite or a dislike for specific odours, tastes, colours, textures, and temperatures.
Purging disorder is a type of eating disorder in which a person purges to change their body shape or weight but does not binge. It’s similar to bulimia nervosa but without binge eating. Many people who write about the illness tend to believe that vomiting is the most prevalent way to purge, but laxative and diuretic abuse is also common. Some people engage in other habits such as excessive exercise and fasting to compensate for eating.
Night eating syndrome (NES) is a condition characterised by nighttime overeating and sleep disturbances. With NES, you eat a lot after supper, have difficulties sleeping, and eat when you wake up at night.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is not the same as night eating syndrome. You’re more inclined to consume a lot in one sitting if you have BED. If you have NES, you are more likely to consume smaller portions during the night.
This category includes conditions comparable to eating disorders but does not meet all of the requirements to be classified as one of them.
One example of such a disorder is orthorexia. Orthorexia patients are so focused on healthy eating that it severely impacts their daily lives. Patients may exclude an entire food group from their diet because they believe it is bad. Malnutrition, severe weight loss, trouble eating outside the home, and general emotional anguish can all result from this. Unlike those with other eating disorders, Orthorexia patients are unconcerned with their weight. Their primary concern is that they adhere to the diet standards that they have established for themselves.
An eating disorder therapist is familiar with the stages of restrictive eating disorders. Regardless of whether or not the patient’s weight is low, they will understand how bad the illness could develop. The different stages of a restrictive eating disorder can include:
One of the first indicators of anorexia is a desire for “purity.” when someone has dropped a significant amount of weight, and it does not appear to be stopping. You’ve undoubtedly complimented them on how good they look, but now it’s time to stop. You are concerned about their eating habits, even though they are not “too thin.” They are eating much more on their own, and they have most likely converted to vegetarianism as an excuse to consume less fat and feel purer.
The first stage quickly blends into the second. This is the point when you get extremely concerned about your loved one, and the more concerned you grow, the further your loved one pushes you away. Weight is dropped slowly or quickly in stage 2, and no one can argue that it is only a phase. They will not consume any fat or carbohydrates; everything is off-limits.
Your loved one has a low weight that fluctuates, is unhappy and preoccupied, furious, and sometimes violent against others. They promise that things will improve, but it never happens. They are aware that they have a significant mental condition, yet they have become helpless. They only need to see someone thinner or iller than themselves to be convinced that they aren’t as bad as you think they are. They lie, hide food, and deceive due to their disease. They attempt to conceal their weight, and you’ve lost track of who they used to be at this stage.
At this point, the restricted person has decided that they no longer want to live in this manner for various reasons. Because their behaviour has not changed, you may not notice that they have changed. Anything could take a long time before it happens. The tipping point can take up to seven years to achieve. They desire to change but are terrified of it. They want to change to feel better, be able to move around without becoming exhausted, get on with their lives, and put an end to their families’ misery. They have a vague understanding that they are more than their weight. It’s as if they’ve seen the light, but it’s still a dim light.
They are scarred but alive. Is it possible to recover from an eating disorder? Your loved one may become healthy, but sensitivity and emotional fragility are still present, which contributed to the disorder in the first place. We can only hope that with appropriate caring therapy, the person will no longer need to restrict eating to cope with life. They may miss their “buddy” and wish it could be there to comfort them when things get tough. However, there will be occasions when some of the old habits resurface quietly.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
Eating disorders are more common in women than in men. Other genetic, social, and environmental factors that could put you at risk for an eating disorder include age, family history, excessive dieting, psychological health, life transitions or extracurricular activities.
Certain recognised chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite, and digestion have been discovered to be out of balance in some people with eating disorders. There is substantial evidence that genetic variables also contribute to eating problems tendency in various studies.
Eating disorders appear to have a genetic foundation, according to research. It has also been established that genetic influence is the consequence of a highly complicated interaction between a collection of genes rather than a single gene. In addition to inherited genetic elements, non-inherited genetic factors have been identified as potential contributors.
According to current research, eating disorders are characterised by changes in appetite and satiety hormones. These hormone abnormalities have been used to explain anorexia’s restricted behaviour and bulimia and binge eating disorder’s ‘binge’ episodes.
Nutrient imbalances and eating disorders go hand in hand. Many people, however, believe that eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and bulimia, are to blame for vitamin shortages. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. According to study and practice results, a distinct pattern in biochemical imbalance has been discovered, particularly in the anorexic population. The majority of them are undermethylated and zinc deficient.
Research into common eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa has identified several personality features that can be exhibited before, during, and after recovery. They are as follows:
However, distinguishing between the psychological causes of eating disorders and their psychological repercussions can be challenging. This is because prolonged hunger can produce changes in interpersonal features, behaviour, and cognition. For example, studies have been unable to determine whether depression and anxiety, which frequently accompany eating disorders, occur before or after the eating problem.
People who suffer from any of the common eating disorders may experience anxiety and depression as a result of their distorted body image. This can lead to the pursuit of alternative methods of achieving a desirable body image, including the use of addictive substances.
You are at risk of developing eating disorders if you have internalised the media’s portrayal of attractiveness. Such mental training can lead to anxiety and unhappiness with one’s looks, possibly leading to the use of addictive substances.
Low self-esteem might lead to the use of various substances to ostensibly assist in attaining specific body objectives in people with eating disorders. This is especially true for those whose eating disorder is primarily motivated by a desire to lose weight. The use of alcohol is an example of this, although a variety of addictive drugs and other substances can also be abused.
The involvement of socio-cultural variables in developing an eating disorder has also been demonstrated. Only skinny ladies and lean/muscular men are considered attractive in today’s culture. People who internalise this message are at risk of being dissatisfied with their physical appearance. Eating disorder behaviours may arise as a result of this. The widespread use of social media in everyday life has also contributed to this attractiveness perception. Images that have been heavily manipulated are passed off as natural notions of how individuals should appear.
Certain life events and transitions can induce emotional distress and worry, increasing your risk of developing an eating disorder. This is especially true if you have previously struggled with similar issues. Moving, changing jobs, ending a relationship, or losing a loved one are all examples of times of transitions. An eating disorder can also be triggered by abuse, sexual assault, or incest.
Problems in the family can also cause eating disorders. According to studies, families of people with eating problems are overprotective, perfectionistic, strict, and success-oriented. They set high and often ridiculous goals for themselves. They may place an excessive amount of emphasis on external benefits. If youngsters believe they are failing to meet family expectations, they may turn to something that appears to be easier to control and at which they are more likely to succeed: food restriction or weight loss.
Fashion models have recently been labelled as “body image specialists.” Individuals in such occupations are exposed to slim ideals, and their body weight, form, and physical attractiveness are fundamental necessities to secure their work. Models have long been seen as a high-risk group for developing unhealthy or severe eating habits and severe body image problems due to this pressure and excessive focus on looks. Given that being skinny is a requirement, it is evident that the fashion and modelling industries have produced a “toxic” environment in which the development of eating disorders and body image problems is entirely plausible.
Genetics and family history are two elements that can contribute to the onset of an eating disorder. Children who have been abused emotionally, physically, or sexually are more prone to develop psychological problems such as body image and eating disorders. However, a history of childhood trauma is one of the most common factors related to eating disorders.
Young girls and teenagers are led to believe that women depicted on television, in movies, and publications are of average weight and shape. They frequently mistakenly feel that being skinny makes them popular, successful, and happy. The media portrays a dream version of reality that is extremely romanticised and unrealistic. Even though we know that the images are not realistic, they are subconsciously or passively ingrained in our memory.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
Eating disorders are harmful behaviours that affect a person’s health, self-esteem, and self-worth. It’s especially sad when eating disorders strike at a young age; more than 90% of people with eating disorders are girls between the ages of 12 and 25. That isn’t to say that males are immune to eating disorders; eating disorders can strike anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or financial status. That is why eating disorders prevention is so important—if not treated appropriately and swiftly, eating disorders can be fatal.
The National Eating Disorders Association has eight suggestions for preventing eating disorders:
Eating disorders can be extremely harmful to one’s health. People who suffer from eating disorders frequently lack the nutrition their bodies require to keep healthy and function correctly.
People with eating disorders, for example, are in danger of heart or kidney failure, which can lead to death if not addressed.
Bulimia nervosa can cause an irritated or sore throat, enlarged salivary glands, tooth decay, acid reflux, hormonal abnormalities, and severe dehydration, among other things. Bulimia nervosa can also cause an imbalance in electrolyte levels in the body, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. A stroke or a heart attack can occur as a result of this.
Anorexia nervosa puts a lot of strain on the body and can cause a lot of damage over time. Infertility, brittle hair and nails, and bone weakening are all symptoms of the illness. Anorexia can also lead to organ failure, organ shutdown, and death in severe situations.
The main risk of binge eating disorder is becoming overweight or obese, increasing the risk of additional health problems linked with excess weight gain. Heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes are among them.
If you have pica, you’re at risk for infections, digestive system damage, and nutrient deficiencies. Depending on the substances consumed, the body and organs may be poisoned, resulting in death.
The most significant risk associated with rumination disorder is that it might cause patients to restrict how much food they eat in public, resulting in being underweight.
Eating disorders frequently develop due to underlying reasons such as low self-esteem, mental disorders, substance addiction disorders, or a history of trauma or mistreatment. Co-occurring disorders are when an eating disorder coexists with another mental health disease, such as depression, or a substance abuse problem, such as alcohol use disorder.
Co-occurring disorders, often known as dual diagnosis, are described as having two or more mental health or substance addiction issues at the same time. Individuals are frequently treated for their unique eating issues, leaving the mental conditions untreated. This is harmful because their depression or anxiety, for example, may be the root cause of their eating disorder. If the mental issues are not treated, the person is more likely to relapse and return to their bad eating habits. The following are some of the most prevalent co-occurring conditions with eating disorders:
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Teens might suffer greatly as a result of eating disorders. To help protect your child, learn about the potential causes of eating disorders and how to communicate to your child about good eating habits.
Eating disorders are significant conditions caused by uncontrollable eating habits that negatively influence one’s health, emotions, and capacity to perform in crucial areas of life. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are the most common teen eating disorders.
If you’re concerned about someone, it’s critical to encourage them to seek therapy as soon as possible to maximise their chances of recovery. However, treatment is only one part of the recovery process. Regardless of your relationship with the person, there are ways you may assist them in getting better outside of their treatment programme. This might range from simply being a listening ear to accompanying them to the store and helping them after meals.
Remember that taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your loved one.
Each person is unique and will have different needs, but this list will provide you with some suggestions on how you may assist:
The existence of one or more of the following symptoms does not necessarily indicate the presence of an eating disorder. Still, it does serve as a warning sign that requires special attention.
Here are some of the more subtle symptoms that someone is having difficulty with their diet or body image:
An intervention can be programmed by a professional, or it can be organised by close family and friends of the person affected by the disorder. It should include people who value the patient’s life and shouldn’t be overcrowded.
Some tips can help when staging an intervention:
Eating disorders are among the most dangerous mental illnesses, and those who suffer from them are frequently the most resistant to treatment. People who have been affected by an eating disorder stand to gain a great deal from an eating disorder intervention. Few things work as well as passionate appeals from family and friends. Allow your voice to be the one that eventually persuades them to seek help.
The best way to deal with eating disorders is to seek immediate help. Eating disorder treatment centres are located all across the United Kingdom. We can aid you in selecting the best treatment option and getting started right away.
Treatment and rehab options for eating disorders:
Clients undergo a detailed initial examination on the first day of treatment to provide the medical professionals with a starting point for treatment. This usually entails asking questions about the eating disorder’s history and any past treatment, blood tests, urine samples, and height and weight measurements.
While in treatment, meals are eaten in groups under the supervision of the staff, who work closely with each participant to develop a meal plan and ensure that they follow it. Residential clients follow strict regimens, with each day meticulously planned. Individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, group activities, and tasks are generally included in the day-to-day activities.
When it comes to eating disorder rehabilitation, a nutritionist’s goal is to help clients reclaim a healthy relationship with food. A nutritionist can work alongside the medical team to provide the assistance needed during and after the recovery. They will collaborate with the patient, listen, and give a helping hand in the face of the new challenges.
According to specialists, nutritional rehabilitation and counselling should be used as the first line of treatment for eating disorders. If clients aren’t responding, drugs like antipsychotics can be used to stimulate small weight gains. Unfortunately, these drugs do not treat anorexia-related delusions, although they can be quite helpful when combined with behavioural therapy.
SSRIs are frequently used in conjunction with behavioural therapy to treat bulimia and binge eating disorders. These drugs have been demonstrated to lessen psychiatric symptoms, purging, binge eating, and the strong desire for thinness, even though experts are still unsure why they are helpful.
Various types of psychotherapy can be used for the treatment of eating disorders:
In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in treating people who suffer from eating disorders. The most extensively used therapies for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal treatment therapy (IPT).
For anorexia, no single treatment model has proven to be the most successful. However, evidence demonstrates that long-term specialist psychotherapy treatments are the most effective strategy to address eating disorders. The most effective way, according to therapists, is to use a stepped-care approach, introducing different types of therapy to varying stages of the illness.
Some of these tips can help someone living with an eating disorder:
It’s crucial to remember that even those who have struggled with eating disorder symptoms for an extended period can recover. We can notice when someone is reverting to eating disorder patterns if we are aware of some of the relapse signs. Then there’s a chance of preventing a relapse from occurring.
Here are some suggestions for avoiding an eating disorder relapse:
1. Determine your “triggers.”
2. Develop a personal coping strategy
3. Consume healthy snacks and meals on a regular basis
4. Create a support system and take advantage of it!
5. Get rid of any negative influences
6. Experiment with new hobbies and interests
7. Dedicate some time to yourself
There are several support groups in the UK for eating disorders:
Adult helpline: 0808 801 0677 (3 pm – 10pm, 365 days a year)
Youthline: 0808 801 0711 (3 pm – 10pm, 365 days a year)
Website: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Website: www.thenewmaudsleyapproach.co.uk
Phone: 03000 11 12 13
Website: www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
Phone: 01494 793223
Website: www.eatingdisorderssupport.co.uk
Phone: 0845 838 2040
Website: www.eating-disorders.org.uk
Website: www.mengetedstoo.co.uk
Phone: 0845 603 6530
Website: www.therecoverclinic.co.uk
Eating disorders are far more widespread than many people realise, and they frequently coexist with substance abuse.
In the United Kingdom, over 1.25 million people suffer from eating disorders, with men accounting for about 11% of the total.
According to NHS data, 6.4% of people surveyed in 2007 had indicators of an eating disorder.
In comparison to data from 2013, figures from the Health and Care Information Centre showed an 8% increase in the number of inpatient hospital admissions for eating disorders in February 2014. Since 2005, there has been a 34% increase in admissions. This indicates a 7% growth in eating disorders in the UK per year.
The exact number of people who develop eating disorders each year and the number of people who have eating disorders and addictions are unknown. Still, based on the information available, there is reason to suspect that the genuine figure is fairly large.
BACP accredited psychotherapist with 16 years experience working in mental health specialising in psychodynamic person-centred therapies treating those with a range of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, OCD and Addiction.
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