Eating Disorder Awareness Week

What are eating disorders?

            Eating disorders are mental health conditions that affect one’s relationship with food and/or their body. Research shows that eating disorders are most prevalent in young women but can affect individuals of all genders. Experts believe that eating disorders are usually derived from a combination of genetic predisposition that is exacerbated by societal pressures and personal stress. Newer research in the field has indicated that brain structure and biology also play a role, specifically effecting both dopamine and serotonin levels, which are thought to contribute to disordered eating.

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Three Common Types of Eating Disorders:

Anorexia Nervosa (AN): People with AN typically view their bodies as overweight despite having a thin and underweight stature. They often restrict calories, monitor their weight, and avoid eating certain types of food. AN is commonly seen in individuals who are over-achievers and prefer maintain strict control over their self and their environment. 

 Common Symptoms: 

  • Being considerably underweight compared to people of similar age and height 

  • Restricted eating patterns

  • A fear of weight gain or a fear of being overweight despite being underweight

  • Distorted body image

  • Excessive exercise

 AN can be very damaging to the body and over time an individual may experience thinning of the bones, infertility, brittle hair and nails, and growth of a layer of fine hair all over the body (NIMH, 2020). In severe cases, AN can result in organ damage. 

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Bulimia Nervosa (BN): People with BN typically overeat a large amount of food in specific period of time (binge) until they are uncomfortably stuffed. A person may feel like they have no sense of control over the amount they eat and then proceeds to purge the food shortly after. Individuals with BN typically maintain a normal bodyweight. 

Common Symptoms: 

  • Recurrent episodes of binge eating with a feeling of losing control 

  • Recurrent episodes of purging behaviors (purging may involve vomiting, use of laxatives, etc.)

  • A fear of gaining weight, despite having a normal weight

BN can cause an “inflamed and sore throat, swollen salivary glands, worn tooth enamel, tooth decay, acid reflux, irritation of the gut, severe dehydration, and hormonal disturbances”(NIMH, 2020). In severe cases BN can create an imbalance in “levels of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium” (NIMH, 2020). This may lead to a heart attack or stroke. 

Binge Eating Disorder (BED): People with BED typically eat large amounts of food and feel a lack of control following. They differ from AN and BN in that they do not engage in restricting or purging behaviors. 

Common Symptoms: 

  • Eating large amounts of food rapidly and typically in secret until they are uncomfortably full

  • Feeling of lack of control during binge eating 

  • Feelings of distress, guilt, and shame when thinking about the binge eating 

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Recovery

Reaching out to a professional is the first step towards recovery from an eating disorder. Treating an eating disorder will involve a combination of psychological and nutritional counseling, as well as medical and psychiatric monitoring. 

 If you believe you have an eating disorder, please visit National Eating Disorders Association’s website to locate a treatment center or support group near you.  

Spencer Scott