Eating Disorders – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Eating disorders are serious health conditions that affect both mental and physical well-being. They involve unhealthy thoughts about food, weight, and body shape, along with problematic eating behaviors.
These disorders can harm a person’s overall health and their ability to function in daily life.
The three most common eating disorders are:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge-Eating Disorder
People with eating disorders often become overly focused on their weight and appearance. This focus can lead to dangerous behaviors that prevent the body from getting proper nutrition. The health impacts can be severe, affecting:
- Heart function
- Digestive system
- Bone density
- Dental health
- Oral health
Without treatment, eating disorders can become chronic conditions. In extreme cases, they can be fatal. These disorders frequently occur alongside other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
With proper care, individuals can develop healthier eating habits and improve their relationship with food and their body image. Many of the physical problems caused by eating disorders can be reversed or reduced with timely intervention.
Signs of Eating Problems
Food Refusal
People with food refusal (anorexia) may have dangerously low body weight. They often fear gaining weight and see themselves differently than others see them. This condition can be life-threatening.
Someone with this problem might:
- Strictly limit how much they eat
- Cut out whole food groups
- Exercise too much
- Use laxatives or make themselves throw up
Even people who aren’t extremely thin can have serious health problems from these behaviors. The constant effort to control weight can harm the body in many ways.
Warning signs include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Always feeling cold
- Growing fine hair on the body
- Missed periods in females
- Always talking about food but not eating it
Binge-Purge Cycles
This condition (bulimia) involves eating large amounts of food and then trying to get rid of the calories. People feel out of control during binges and can’t stop eating.
After binging, they might:
- Make themselves throw up
- Exercise for hours
- Fast for long periods
- Take laxatives or diet pills
People with this problem are often very concerned about their weight and shape. They judge themselves harshly based on how they look.
Physical signs may include:
- Swollen cheeks or jaw area
- Damaged teeth from stomach acid
- Calluses on knuckles from inducing vomiting
- Weight that goes up and down
Uncontrolled Eating
People with binge-eating disorder eat large amounts of food in short periods. They feel they can’t control how much they eat. Unlike the binge-purge cycle, they don’t try to get rid of calories afterward.
Common behaviors include:
- Eating much faster than normal
- Continuing to eat despite feeling uncomfortably full
- Eating large amounts when not hungry
- Eating alone due to embarrassment
These episodes typically happen at least once a week and cause intense feelings of shame. Many people try to diet between binges, which often leads to more binging later.
Limited Food Intake
Some people severely limit what they eat or avoid certain foods entirely. This problem (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder) differs from other eating issues because it’s not about weight concerns.
People with this condition might avoid foods because of:
- Lack of interest in eating
- Dislike of certain textures, smells, or colors
- Fear of choking or vomiting
- Worry about stomach problems
This problem affects people of all ages but is more common in children. It can lead to significant weight loss or failure to grow properly. Not getting enough nutrients can cause serious health problems.
When to See a Doctor
Eating disorders are difficult to overcome alone.
Seek medical help if your eating habits cause you distress, food rules control your daily life, your weight has changed dramatically, you obsess about food or your body, or your physical health is suffering.
Don’t wait until things get worseโeating problems can become more entrenched over time.
Urging a Loved One to Seek Treatment
Many people with eating disorders don’t believe they need help. They may not recognize how serious their symptoms are. Feelings of shame often keep them from seeking treatment.
If you’re concerned about someone, gently encourage them to talk to a healthcare provider. Even if they’re not ready to admit they have a problem, you can start by expressing your concern and willingness to listen.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Skipping meals or making excuses not to eat
- Following extremely restrictive diets not prescribed by a healthcare professional
- Obsessing about food or “clean eating”
- Avoiding social events involving food
- Withdrawing from friends and usual activities
- Constantly talking about weight or body shape
- Checking the mirror frequently for perceived flaws
- Eating unusually large amounts of food
- Using supplements, laxatives, or herbal products for weight loss
- Exercising excessively, even when sick or injured
- Disappearing after meals to use the bathroom
- Showing signs of depression, guilt or shame about eating
If you’re worried about yourself or someone you care about, contact a healthcare provider to discuss your concerns. You may need a referral to a mental health provider who specializes in eating disorders.
Causes
Scientists don’t know exactly why eating disorders happen. Several factors may contribute:
- Genetic Factors: Some people might inherit genes that make them more likely to develop these conditions.
- Brain Chemistry: Changes in how chemicals work in the brain could affect eating behaviors and emotions.
These factors often work together rather than one single cause being responsible for the disorder.
Risk Factors
Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, though they often begin during teenage years and early adulthood. Several factors may increase someone’s chances of developing these conditions:
Genetic Factors
- Family connections play a role – having parents or siblings with eating disorders increases risk
- Inherited traits may influence how the brain processes hunger, fullness, and emotions
Mental Health Conditions
People with these conditions face higher risk:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma history
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Diet and Weight History
Certain experiences with food and weight can trigger problems:
- Repeated cycles of losing and gaining weight
- Frequent dieting attempts
- Starvation periods that change brain chemistry
- Rigid thinking about food that becomes difficult to change
Social Pressures
External influences affect how people view their bodies:
- Being teased about weight or appearance
- Experiencing shame about body size from others
- Receiving negative comments from peers, family, coaches, or doctors
Life Changes and Stress
Major transitions can sometimes trigger eating disorders:
- Starting college
- Moving to a new location
- Beginning a new job
- Family conflicts
- Relationship problems
Risks and Health Effects
Eating disorders can lead to many serious health issues. The longer someone has an eating disorder, the more likely they are to face dangerous complications.
Health problems can be severe and sometimes life-threatening. People with eating disorders often struggle with depression and anxiety. Some may have thoughts of suicide or attempt to harm themselves.
Young people with these conditions might have problems with normal growth and development. Many face challenges in their relationships and social life.
Other possible complications include:
- Substance abuse problems
- Difficulty performing at work or school
- Death in severe cases
Ways to Prevent Eating Disorders
For Adults
Taking steps to build healthy eating habits can help reduce your risk of developing an eating disorder. Here are some key strategies:
Follow a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Try to limit foods high in salt, sugar, saturated fat, and trans fats. Avoid extreme dieting approaches.
If weight loss is your goal, speak with a healthcare provider or dietitian to create a personalized plan.
Avoid using products for weight loss such as:
- Dietary supplements
- Laxatives
- Herbal products
Stay physically active by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Choose activities you enjoy so you’ll stick with them longer.
Address mental health concerns promptly. Issues like depression, anxiety, and poor self-image can increase your risk for eating disorders.
For Children
Parents can help children develop healthy relationships with food in several ways:
Be mindful of your own eating habits around your children. Family meals provide opportunities to model healthy attitudes about food. When you eat together, you can observe whether your child is eating enough and enjoying a variety of foods.
Communicate openly with your child about food and body image. Many websites and social media platforms promote harmful ideas about dieting and thinness. Correct these misconceptions and discuss the dangers of unhealthy eating patterns.
Foster a positive body image in your child, regardless of their size or shape. Avoid criticizing your own body in front of them. Instead, focus on these approaches:
- Emphasize that bodies naturally come in different shapes
- Send messages of acceptance and respect
- Help build healthy self-esteem
- Develop resilience that will help them through challenging teen years
Work with healthcare providers who can help identify early warning signs of eating disorders during regular checkups. They can monitor growth patterns and body mass index to spot concerning changes.
Supporting Others
If you notice signs of an eating disorder in someone you care about, consider reaching out. Your compassionate approach might encourage them to seek help.
Start with a gentle conversation expressing your concern for their health and wellbeing. Listen without judgment and offer to help them find professional support.
