The term eating disorder is related to a behavioral disorder relating to a person eating habits.  It is a complicated mental, psychological, and health condition which. It can affect anyone of any gender, age, race, tribe, or ethnic group. This condition may present with strong thoughts, emotions, and behaviors relating to food, weight gain, and one body image.

How often do eating disorders occur?

Eating disorder presents in about 5% of the general population and is said to occur more in women than they do in men. They usually occur in women between ages 12-35 years (adolescence and young adulthood). This is because people within this age range usually are more concerned with their weight and body image. Eating disorders may occur with other psychological disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. This is why treatment recommendations are geared toward the a person psychological, nutritional, and possible medical complications.

Are there direct causes of eating disorders?

No, there are no specific causes of eating disorders but studies have shown that a combination of factors are likely responsible for causing eating disorders.             Some of these factors include;

Biological factors:

Some studies suggest that genetics and hereditary acts as a predisposing factor as to why some people have eating disorders. This does not mean that people with no family history of eating disorders are not affected by eating disorders. Other biological factors include brain chemistry and hormonal balance.

Environmental and Social Factors:

Society today has painted a picture of what body size is acceptable as  beautiful/handsome, and confident. This goes a long way to affect people's self-esteem. Societal pressures to be thin, family dynamics (lifestyle of the family), and cultural factors can also influence the development of eating disorders.

Common Types of Eating Disorders.

Binge Eating Disorder

This disorder presents with the person eating a lot of food within a short period. In this short time, there is a feeling of lack of eating control as the person eats even if he/she is not hungry. After this eating episode, said person may have a wave of guilt or shame for consuming such an amount of food in such a short time.

Features of a person with binge eating disorder include:

●      Eating faster than normal.

●      Eating even when the person has reached a level of satisfaction.

●      Eating large amounts of food when not feeling hungry.

●       Hiding to eat because the person feels shamed by how much one is eating.

●       Depression and guilt after a binge episode.

 The best treatment measure for this disorder is either individual or group-based cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for binge eating.

Bulimia Nervosa disorder

People who have this disorder combine dieting with binge eating. So, there are waves when the person takes on intense dieting and sticks to a particular group of foods (usually low-calorie foods), and afterward, it is followed by a wave of binge eating. In this case, after the person finishes binge eating, it is followed up with purging behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative abuse to correct the excess food they have consumed.

Symptoms of bulimia Nervosa include:

- Frequent trips to the bathroom right after meals

- Dehydration

- Dental erosion

- Electrolyte imbalance

- Binge eating

- Swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks

- Laxative abuse

- Frequent diarrhea

Recommended treatment plan

Outpatient cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa is the best treatment with the best result for people with bulimia nervosa. It assists patients in normalizing their eating behavior and managing thoughts and feelings that drive the disorder.

Meds like antidepressants can also be helpful to reduce the urge to binge and vomit. Caregivers to people with bulimia nervosa can be provided with information through family-based treatment on how to assist an adolescent or young adult to normalize their eating pattern, which may also be helpful in the treatment of young people with bulimia nervosa.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is conscious self-starvation to lose weight. This self-starvation is driven by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when they are underweight. Sometimes, people who have this disorder say they want to gain weight, but their actions do not correlate with their desires.

 There are 2 types of anorexia Nervosa:

Restricting type: in which individuals lose weight primarily by dieting, fasting, or excessively exercising. Binge-eating/purging type:  in which persons also engage in intermittent binge eating and/or purging behaviors.

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa:

Menstrual periods cessation

- Perfectionism

- Constipation

- Amenorrhea

- Distorted body image view

-Dizziness or fainting from dehydration

-muscle weakness and wasting

- Heartburn and reflux (in those who vomit)

- Depression, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration and fatigue

 Treatment recommendations:

Therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, family-based therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy help the individual and family identify challenges and thoughts about food, weight, eating patterns, and eating problems, as well as address self-esteem problems and intense emotions.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Presents as persistent refusal to eat certain foods or food groups due to sensory concerns or aversions.

People with ARFID may avoid foods based on:

 - Food texture

- Smell

- Taste

-  Appearance

- Low appetite and lack of interest in eating or food

Treatment recommendation:

Treatment for ARFID should involve an individualized plan and may involve several specialists, including a mental health professional, a registered dietitian, a nutritionist, and others.

Pica

Pica is an eating disorder in which a person repeatedly consumes things that are not food and have no nutritional value. When this lasts for a month it should be given clinical attention. Substances consumed in this order vary with age and availability and might include paper, paint chips, soap, cloth, hair, string, chalk, metal, pebbles, charcoal or coal, or clay. Individuals with pica do not typically have an aversion to food in general. Pica may first occur in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, although childhood onset is most common. Children under age 2 can not be diagnosed with Pica as putting small objects into their mouth is a normal part of development for children within that age range. Pica often occurs along with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability but can occur in otherwise typically developing children.

 Treatment recommendation:

Treatment for pica involves testing for nutritional deficiencies and addressing them if needed. Behavior interventions used to treat pica may include redirecting the individual from the nonfood items and rewarding them for setting aside or avoiding nonfood items.

 Conclusion

Eating Disorder is not something that can not be corrected. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. Early intervention can improve outcomes and prevent serious complications.  Recovery is possible and achievable.