It is sad when people with eating disorders are said – “It’s food, just get over it!” Without even knowing its implications which are not just limited to food.
February, 21-27 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week in the United States to educate and spread awareness about it.
What are eating disorders?
According to DSM-5 eating disorders are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in altered consumption or absorption of food. It significantly impairs physical health as well as psychosocial functioning.
Eating disorders are serious and sometimes fatal. Eating disorders effect all kinds of people. People with eating disorders may appear healthy even when they are very ill. They sometimes get fixated or obsessed with body weight or shape, weight loss, and become controlling of their food intake.
The most common types of eating disorders are – anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
People with anorexia nervosa condition see themselves as overweight. They avoid food, severely restrict eating, or eat in extremely less quantities of only certain foods even when they are dangerously underweight. It leads to numerous dangerous health consequenses, such as – thinning of bones, low blood pressure and brain damage.
People with bulimia nervosa have recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food. They often feel like they cannot stop eating or control what or how much they are eating. This is often followed by recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors in order to prevent weight gain, such as – self induced vomiting, fasting or excessive exercising. In some cases they suffer from ulcers, pancreatitis or esophageal inflammation.
People with binge eating disorders have a lack of control over eating large amounts of food. They tend to eat more rapidly than normal. They don’t tend to purge, fast or over exercise as a result they tend to gain weight or are obese.
There are heath professionals working in the area of eating disorders who can help in adopting healthy attitudes and behaviors about body weight and shape.
There are available helplines which can support and provide resources.
Eating disorders can be prevented by identifying the early signs, encouraging a balanced diet and support instead of judging.
and lastly, encourage self esteem.
OnPathToGrowth 