For many people, and what might start out as a simple diet can progress to an eating disorder, with the person appearing to press the self destruct button.
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People with eating disorder often do not recognize or admit that they have a problem, and are certainly in most cases reluctant to seek help. They will often present with what they consider to be unrelated problems such as feeling tired, weight loss, constipation, infertility, dental problems etc. However these can be the physical symptoms of a psychological illness in which distress manifests itself in disordered eating behaviour.
Serious eating disorders can be listed under three headings:
eating in binges and then purging (Bulimia nervosa)
eating in binges without purging (Binge eating disorders)
refusing to maintain a normal minimum body weight (Anorexia nervosa)
The features of anorexia nervosa include:
Strong feelings of distress about fatness and gaining weight although very thin.
The possible absence or stopping of the menstrual periods in women
Being determined not to maintain normal body weight.
Some sufferers may make themselves vomit or abuse the use of laxatives.
Bulimia nervosa diagnostic features include:
Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time.
Recurrent binge eating during which there is loss of control.
Trying to prevent weight gain from the binges by excessive exercise;
Self induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, fasting/starvation periods.
Feeling that self worth and self confidence is dependant on body shape and size.
Binge eating disorder tends to affect people who are older than those with bulimia and unlike bulimia, nearly half of the those suffering with the disorder tend to be male.
The disorder occurs mostly in people who are obese, which becomes even more prevalent due to the excessive calories ingested in binge eating.
This disorder often causes distress and depression in the obese binge eater.
The symptoms of binge eating/weight gaining disorders include:
Eating very fast
Eating large amounts when not actually hungry
Eating until uncomfortably full
A feeling of loss of control during binges
Feeling of self disgust after binges
Feeling depressed or suffering guilt following a binge
Embarrassment about over eating
Eating alone so as not to be seen over eating
Eating disorders are becoming more common, particularly amongst teenage girls who often strive for the perfect model figure, but do themselves considerable damage in the process. There are also children who eat far in excess of their needs, often as a result of stress or anxiety. Parents should remain vigilant for any changes in their child’s moods, eating habits or body weight, and if necessary seek professional help.
Other disorders may compromise the integrity of the nutritional intake required for good health, these include:
Keeping portions small
Comfort eating
Nibbling almost constantly
Counting calories therefore limiting intake
Missing meals
Avoiding specific foods
Only consuming low fat foods
Good nutrition is dependant on healthy eating habits.
A balanced diet is essential; if eating is disordered nutritional status will be affected.
Those with eating disorders, fear of fatness, not being able to control eating, disordered eating, need the support and knowledge of a professional who understands the body’s needs to identify nutritional problems, and help the sufferer to understand their own body’s needs, and to overcome the oppressive, controlling, and harsh demands an eating disorder makes on its sufferer.
Those who consider that they are overweight and want to diet should do it sensibly. Genuine obesity is not difficult to detect, and its extent is determined by measuring height and weight, with these measurements often being converted into body mass index.
To lose weight, a person needs to consume fewer calories then they expend, and most weight management programmes are based on behaviour modification. Dieting is usually considered less important than making permanent changes in eating and exercise habits, and most reputable programmes teach people how to make safe, sensible, gradual changes.
Don’t be embarrassed, if you have a problem seek professional help, or if you would like to diet safely seek professional guidance. At health4u we don’t charge for telephone advice; why not give us a call, and all under 18’s appointments are free.
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