Do you have a problem with food? (Eating Disorders) Let's talk about this!

Food is something that all of us cannot live without, right? But sometimes our relationship with food can be a bit confusing. Do you feel stressed both mentally and physically because of things like the amount you eat, the way you eat, and the way you feel after eating? If so, this is about something that is important to you.

What are these eating disorders?

Simply put, an eating disorder is a mental health condition that affects the way you deal with food and the way you view your body (body image). It can affect your physical health as well as your mental health, and can sometimes be life-threatening. The symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person, and they can also vary depending on the type of disorder. You may count calories, restrict the amount and types of food you eat, or binge eat, or even vomit after eating. Instead of feeling happy when you eat, you may feel guilty or ashamed. Food is essential to life. We all have our own unique relationship with food. Your favorite foods and dislikes are unique to you. You may not even realize you have a food problem because you are used to it.

Even if you feel stuck in this eating cycle, remember that there is treatment available to help you get back on track. If you're ready, you can get that help.

What are the main types of eating disorders?

There are several types of food-related problems. Let's take a look at what they are:

• Anorexia Nervosa: This is characterized by restricting food and calories (like fasting yourself), an extreme fear of gaining weight, and a negative view of your body. For example, a person may feel fat even though they are very thin. This is why they try to control their eating habits in an unusual way.

• Bulimia Nervosa: This is characterized by binging, or believing that you have eaten a lot, in a short period of time. Then, you try to purge the food from your body by vomiting , using laxatives , or exercising excessively.

• Binge Eating Disorder : This is also characterized by binging or imagining that you have eaten too much food in a short period of time. However, unlike bulimia, there is no attempt to eliminate the food. Instead, there is shame, remorse, guilt, or depression .

• Pica:This is a bit of a strange condition. A strong desire to eat things that are not food, for example, chalk sticks, dirt, and paint.

• Rumination Disorder: This is when, after eating, undigested food comes back into the mouth. Then, it is chewed again, swallowed again, or spit out.

• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): This is a condition in which people restrict the amount or types of food they eat. This is not because they are concerned about their body image or are trying to lose weight. They refuse to eat for other reasons (e.g., they dislike the color, smell, or texture of food).

Sometimes the same person can have more than one type of eating problem.

How common are these eating disorders?

These are actually more common than you might think. Studies in the United States have shown that about 28.8 million people will experience this type of eating disorder at some point in their lives. These conditions are also seen in our country.

What are the symptoms of an eating disorder?

Although symptoms vary depending on the type, there are some common features that can be seen:

Physical characteristics:

• Frequent mood swings.
• Feeling tired all the time ( Fatigue ).
• Fainting or dizziness .
• Thinning hair or hair loss .
• Unexplained weight changes or drastic weight loss .
• Unusual sweating or hot flashes.

Behavioral changes (behavioral characteristics):

• Restricting food, not eating certain foods at all.
• Eating too much in a short period of time.
• Forced vomiting after eating or misuse of laxatives.
• Excessive exercise after eating.
• Going to the bathroom frequently after eating.
• Withdrawing from friends and social activities.
• Hiding food, throwing it away.
• Strange eating habits (e.g., chewing food for a long time, eating in secret).

It can be difficult to recognize that someone you love has this problem, as it can seem like just a change in diet or lifestyle. Also, you can't tell if someone has this condition just by looking at them.

How does someone with an eating disorder feel?

If you have an eating disorder, you may experience the following:

• Food is like an enemy, it seems like it will harm you.
• After eating, you feel like you made a mistake, like you did something embarrassing.
• You feel like you're not at the right weight and your body shape isn't right.
• If you can't reach a certain weight or follow certain rules regarding food, you feel like a "failure."
• You feel like others are looking at you the wrong way.
• You feel like the only thing you can control in your life is what you eat and how you eat.
• You don't want to spend time with others for fear of them judging you.

These feelings are not something you intentionally create. In addition to physical health, an eating disorder can severely affect your decision-making, emotions, and ability to interact normally with others.

What are the causes of eating disorders?

The exact cause of this is not yet known, but research suggests that several factors may contribute to this:

• Genetics: Studies have found that conditions like Anorexia Nervosa , Bulimia Nervosa , and Binge Eating Disorder tend to run in families. This means that if someone in your family has the condition, you may have a genetic predisposition to develop it too.

• Brain biology: Chemicals in our brains called dopamine and serotonin make us feel happy and relaxed. Research shows that these chemicals are activated when abnormal eating behaviors occur.

• Cultural and social ideals: The pressure to "fit in" with society can affect your mental health and cause you to change your behavior to meet the sometimes unrealistic goals that others have set for you. This can affect your self-esteem, especially in this digital age, when you feel like you're not like the people you see on social media, television, and movies.

• Other underlying mental health conditions: When you feel like you’re losing control of other things in your life, you may be tempted to take extreme measures with your food. Overthinking food to cope with painful emotions can be an unhealthy way to cope. Therefore, some eating disorders can coexist with other mental health conditions.

Who is at higher risk of developing eating disorders?

This condition can occur at any age, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults. You may be at increased risk for this condition for the following reasons:

• If anyone in your family has had eating disorders or other mental health conditions.
• If you have experienced any traumatic experience (physical, mental or sexual).
• If you have an underlying mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) .
• If you engage in activities where your body weight or shape is important (e.g. gymnastics, wrestling, swimming).
• If you are facing a big change, such as going to a new school, a new job, a divorce, or moving house.
• If you have Type 1 Diabetes . Studies have shown that about 25% of women with Type 1 diabetes experience eating problems.
• If you are a perfectionist who tries to do everything perfectly.

What are the complications of eating disorders?

Severe calorie restriction, vomiting, or excessive exercise can have a serious impact on your physical health. If left untreated, an eating disorder can lead to serious complications, such as:

• Heart rhythm disorders (Arrhythmia) , heart failure, and other heart diseases.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD .
• Digestive system problems.
• Low blood pressure (Hypotension) .
• Organ failure and brain damage.
• Thinning of bones (Osteoporosis) .
• Severe dehydration and constipation.
• Amenorrhea and infertility.
• Stroke.
• Damage to teeth.

As a mental health condition, you may be at risk of suicidal thoughts or even suicidal thoughts because of your feelings about food or your body. If you are ever having these thoughts, please talk to someone you trust, or see a doctor or mental health counselor right away. You are not alone, and help is available.

How to identify eating disorders?

This is how a doctor diagnoses this condition:

• By doing a physical examination.
• By reviewing your symptoms.
• By learning more about your eating habits and exercise habits.
• To rule out other medical conditions or check for complications, imaging tests, blood or urine tests (e.g., kidney function test, electrocardiogram - ECG ) may be ordered.

Doctors use the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition) to diagnose this condition.The guide uses the following symptoms. It describes the symptoms associated with each eating disorder. However, you do not have to have all of these symptoms to be diagnosed. Also, even if you do not have a specific eating disorder on this list, you may still need help to overcome your eating problems.

Who diagnoses an eating disorder?

These conditions are diagnosed by health professionals, such as doctors and psychiatrists. Your family doctor will look at your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order blood tests. A psychologist or psychiatrist will perform a psychological evaluation to learn more about your eating habits and beliefs.

What are the treatments for eating disorders?

Treatment options vary depending on the type, but may include:

• Psychotherapy: A psychiatrist will determine the best treatment option for your condition. There are options such as individual, group, and family therapy. Many people with eating disorders choose Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) .
• Medications: You may have other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, along with an eating disorder. These conditions can be treated with antidepressants , antipsychotics , or other medications.
• Nutrition counseling: A registered dietitian trained in food-related issues can help you improve your eating habits and create nutritious meal plans. They can also give you advice on how to shop, plan, and prepare meals.

The best approach is to use one or more of these treatments together. Your medical team will work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that covers the physical, mental, and behavioral aspects of the condition.

Even if you don't have a specific eating disorder, a medical professional can help you manage eating disorders or other conditions that affect your health.

What are the levels of care for eating disorders?

There are different levels of care for this:

• Outpatient therapy (consultation once a week).
• Intensive outpatient therapy (therapy several times a week).
• Residential therapy (hospitalization).

Your doctor will discuss with you what level of treatment is best for you.

Therapy for Eating Disorders

Therapy can be both rewarding and challenging. You will meet with a therapist to help you understand and change the thought patterns that control your behavior and feelings. It can be difficult to be honest with someone new about your feelings. It can also be difficult to accept help when you feel like you have control over the situation. Therapy can also make you experience feelings that you don’t want to think about. It’s good to talk about these feelings with your therapist, and it’s encouraging. Remember that your medical team is there to help you during your treatment.

Recovering from an Eating Disorder

The good news is that recovery is possible and there is hope . Eating disorders don't get better overnight. Treatment takes time. It depends on the severity of the condition and how long you've had it. You may find that your symptoms improve after starting medication or talking to a professional. You may also feel like you're getting worse before you start getting better. That's normal. The best way to get better is to work with your doctor's treatment plan. Talk to them about any side effects or obstacles you're facing. Be honest and open about your feelings. They can provide personalized guidance to help you get better quickly.

What is the outlook for eating disorders?

There are treatments for all types of eating disorders. For the best results, it is important to recognize the condition early and begin treatment immediately. Recovery takes time, and may require lifelong support. If left untreated, eating disorders can be life-threatening. If you or someone you love has these symptoms, seek medical attention.

Can eating disorders be prevented?

There is no known way to completely prevent these. If someone in your family has an eating disorder or mental health condition, being aware of it can help you and your medical team identify and treat them early. Early treatment can help break unhealthy behavior patterns before they become out of control.

How to reduce the risk of developing eating disorders?

Treating common health conditions and mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, OCD ) early on can help reduce your risk of developing eating disorders. If you are a parent or caregiver and know that your family has eating disorders, here are some things you can do to help reduce the risk among your children:

• Be a good example.
• Eat healthy foods and avoid calling food "good" or "bad."
• Avoid talking about "dieting" with children.
• Avoid making negative comments about bodies.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor in the following cases:

• If you feel distressed by your relationship with food.
• If you find that your eating habits are interfering with your daily activities.
• If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or heart palpitations.
• If you frequently feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• If you have a severe sore throat or acid reflux.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you have a problem with food, you can ask your doctor questions like these:

• What type of food problem do I have?
• What is the best treatment for me?
• What are the risks and side effects of the treatments?
• What kind of follow-up care will I need after treatment?
• Should I be concerned about complications?

Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)

Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that can affect your mental and physical health. You may not realize that your behavior is harmful or dangerous because it feels so normal to you.

If you think you have an eating disorder, it's important to seek help . With proper medical treatment and mental health counseling, you can recover.

Even if "getting better" seems like a long way off, you can achieve that goal. It's always helpful to have support. Talk to a friend or loved one. Be honest and open. Their encouragement may be just what you need to take the first step toward recovery. Don't worry, you're not alone.

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