Table of contents:
- Definition
- What are eating disorders?
- How common are eating disorders?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes eating disorders?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of developing an eating disorder?
- Medicines & Medicines
- How are eating disorders diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for eating disorders?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be taken to treat an eating disorder?
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Definition
What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are a collection of various diseases characterized by irregular eating habits, as well as anxiety or worry over weight and body shape.
Most eating disorders are caused by excessive obsessions with body weight, body shape, and food, leading to dangerous eating behaviors.
This behavior can affect the body's ability to get adequate nutrition.
The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder .
Eating disorders cause a variety of complications, and some can be life threatening.
The more severe or prolonged the problem is, the easier it is for you to have serious complications, such as:
- Medical problems
- Depression and anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Impaired growth and development
- Social and relationship problems
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Problems at work and school
- Dead
How common are eating disorders?
An eating disorder is a fairly common psychological disorder, affecting both men and women of all ages. However, it generally affects adolescents and women more than men.
However, you can prevent having this condition by avoiding or reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder?
Common symptoms of an eating disorder are:
- Chronic diet despite being severely underweight
- Up and down weight
- Obsession with the calorie and fat content of food
- Obsessions with food, recipes, or cooking; One person can cook food for others but never eat it.
- Shows symptoms of depression or lethargy.
- Avoiding social situations, family, and friends; isolated and withdrawn
- Overeating and extreme fasting
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
Many people with eating disorders think they don't need treatment. If you are worried about the person closest to you, persuade that person to come to the doctor.
Monitor your diet and beliefs, which can signal unhealthy behavior, as well as the surrounding stresses that can lead to eating disorders.
Signs that can indicate an eating disorder include:
- Skipping meals or excusing yourself from eating
- Having a vegetarian diet that is too strict
- Focus too much on eating healthy
- Withdraw from social activities
- Constantly worry or complain about body size and talk about losing weight
- Often look in the mirror to see flaws
- Eat large, repetitive, high-fat, sugary foods
- Use of dietary supplements, laxatives or herbal products for weight loss
- Excessive exercise
- Calluses on the knuckles from forced vomiting
- Interference with loss of tooth enamel indicating repeated vomiting
- Leave the dining table to go to the toilet
- Eat more portions than usual
- Shows depression, disgust, shame or guilt about eating habits.
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes eating disorders?
The exact cause of an eating disorder is unknown. Like other mental illnesses, there are several factors that trigger eating disorders, such as:
- Genetic. Some people can have genes that increase their risk of developing eating disorders. People with immediate relatives - siblings or parents - with eating disorders are more likely to develop eating disorders.
- Psychological and emotional health. People with eating disorders can experience psychological and emotional problems that contribute to the disorder. They may have low self-esteem, perfectionism, impulsive behavior and problematic relationships.
- Environment. The success and success of a person is often associated with a slim body. Ambient pressure and the media can drive the desire to be thin.
Risk factors
What increases my risk of developing an eating disorder?
There are many factors that make a person more at risk of developing an eating disorder, namely:
- Woman. Teenage girls and young women are more prone than boys and men to experience anorexia or bulimia, but men can also experience eating disorders.
- Age. Although eating disorders can occur at any age range - including children, adolescents and adults - they are more common in adolescents and early 20s.
- Family history. Eating disorders are much more likely to occur in people whose parents or siblings have eating disorders.
- Mental health problems. People with depression, anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are more prone to eating disorders.
- Diet. People who lose weight are often influenced by positive comments from others about their changing appearance. This can cause some people to go on a diet too badly, leading to eating disorders.
- Stress. Changes such as going to college, moving, a new job, family or relationship problems can cause stress, which can increase the risk of eating disorders.
- Sports, work and artistic activities. Athletes, actors, dancers and models are at higher risk of developing eating disorders. Coaches and parents can contribute to the risk by encouraging their young children to lose weight.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How are eating disorders diagnosed?
Common examinations and tests include:
- Physical examination. Your doctor will examine you to rule out other medical causes. The doctor can also perform laboratory tests.
- Psychological evaluation. Your doctor or mental medical provider will ask you about your thoughts, feelings and eating habits. You may also be asked to fill out a complete psychological questionnaire.
- Another test. Additional tests may be done to check for any complications related to your eating disorder. Evaluations and tests can also be done to determine your nutritional needs.
What are the treatments for eating disorders?
Treatment for eating disorders generally involves a team approach. The team usually consists of medical providers, mental medical providers and dietitians.
- Psychotherapy. Helping you understand how to turn unhealthy habits into healthy habits, may include: cognitive-behavioral therapy and therapy on a family basis
- Inpatient. If you have serious health problems, such as anorexia that causes malnutrition, your doctor will recommend hospitalization
- Drugs. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help with symptoms of depression or anxiety, which are often associated with eating disorders.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be taken to treat an eating disorder?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with eating disorders:
- Follow a treatment plan - don't miss therapy sessions and don't go off the meal plan.
- Talk to your doctor about the right vitamin and mineral supplements to make sure you are getting the essential nutrients.
- Don't isolate yourself from your family and friends who care and want to see you healthy.
- Talk to your doctor about the type of exercise that is right for you.
- Read books that offer useful and practical advice. Your medical provider can recommend several helpful sources.
- Avoid the urge to weigh yourself or look in the mirror frequently. This can lead to the desire to engage in unhealthy habits.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.