What is an eating disorder, and how are they misunderstood?

Eating disorders are psychiatric conditions characterized by undereating, overeating, or treating food as a means of self-abuse.

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, avoidance/restrictive food intake, binge-eating, pica (eating non-food substances), and rumination disorder (regurgitating and chewing undigested food).

Eating disorders are mostly reported in people who are self-critical of themselves and have self-perceived flaws. They may use eating to gain control over an internal chaos. This might start with an obsession with food, body weight, or body shape.

Cause of eating disorders: There still isn’t much clarity behind causes but a mix of environmental and genetic risk factors contribute. Other mental illnesses like depression and anxiety may cause symptoms of eating disorders.

Risk factors: Certain psychological patterns like body image dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and perfectionism are risk factors for eating disorders.

Impact: In severe cases, the body can be damaged by eating disorders including osteoporosis, anaemia, heart damage, and kidney damage.

Treatments: A combination of nutritional counselling, psychotherapy, and in some cases, medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and family therapy can also help. Other treatments such as transcranial-magnetic stimulation are being researched.

Misconceptions:

1. It is wrong that only women suffer from these disorders. People of all genders can be affected.

2. People who fall in a healthy weight range can also have these disorders.

Famous people: Princess Diana and Lady Gaga suffered from bulimia. Demi Lovato suffered from binge-eating. Celebrities including Zayn Malik, Lucy Hale, and Hilary Duff have spoken about their battles with eating disorders.

Final Note: Eating disorders are still very misunderstood. Individuals need to be supported by families and communities in getting the help they need. Only education will end the stigma and prevent needless suffering.