Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect both body and mind. They are not about food alone – they often stem from anxiety, trauma or low self-esteem. Common types include:
Anorexia Nervosa: Extreme restriction, fear of weight gain and distorted body image.
Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating followed by purging, laxatives, or over-exercising.
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED): Excessive eating without purging, causing guilt and loss of control.
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder): Avoiding foods due to fear, texture, or lack of appetite.
OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders): Disordered eating that doesn’t fit other categories.
Early Warning Signs
Behavioral: Obsessing over food, skipping meals, eating secretly, excessive exercise, rigid food rules, avoiding social eating.
Physical: Rapid weight changes, fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, digestive issues, feeling cold.
Emotional: Fear of weight gain, low self-esteem, mood swings, perfectionism.
Mental Health Impact
Eating disorders can:
Increase anxiety and depression
Cause obsessive thoughts about food and weight
Lead to social isolation
Impair focus, memory, and decision-making
Increase risk of self-harm and co-occurring disorders like OCD or PTSD
Misconceptions
Eating disorders are not just about food or weight.
People of all sizes, genders, and ages can be affected.
Anorexia isn’t the only serious disorder; bulimia, BED, and ARFID also cause harm.
Eating disorders are not a choice or attention-seeking behavior.
Societal Influence
Media and social platforms often promote unrealistic body standards. Constant exposure to idealized images can lower self-esteem and trigger disordered eating, including pressures for thinness, muscularity, or gender-specific ideals.
Long-Term Risks
Physical: Heart problems, gastrointestinal damage, bone loss, hormonal imbalances, kidney/liver damage, dental issues.
Mental: Chronic anxiety and depression, cognitive impairment, substance abuse, self-harm, and social isolation.
Treatment Options
Effective treatment addresses both emotions and behaviors:
Assessment: Identify triggers, eating patterns, and medical concerns.
Therapies: CBT, CFT, EMDR, MBCT, and exposure therapy for food-related fears.
Relapse Prevention: Build resilience, self-care habits, and support networks.
Recovery Tips
Accept your struggle and seek help.
Set small, achievable goals.
Celebrate progress and practice self-compassion.
Challenge self-criticism with kindness.
Use mindfulness and stress management techniques.
Supporting Loved Ones
Educate yourself on eating disorders.
Provide non-judgmental support.
Encourage professional help gently.
Be patient, set boundaries, and maintain your own well-being.
Eating disorders are treatable with the right support, therapy, and patience. Early recognition, emotional healing, and professional care can help restore both physical and mental health.
Written by Victoria De-Petro – Psychotherapist
