While many people may not recognize them as such, eating disorders are actually very grave mental health illnesses that can result in serious damage to body organs and sudden death. It is extremely important that people with eating disorders receive professional help due to its often-fatal consequences.
The Various Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa: Food consumption is severely restricted resulting in very heavy loss of weight. Often, those suffering from this condition may even refuse to acknowledge that they are underweight and are terrified of weight gain.
Bulimia nervosa: Typically, those suffering from this disorder tend to binge-eat and then try to compensate by using enemas, laxatives, fasting, or vomiting.
Binge eating disorder: This is very similar to bulimia; however, the food is not purged by vomiting, using laxatives or other methods. Seen more in people who are depressed or having emotional issues and manifests itself in obesity that puts them to a higher risk of numerous diseases.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Symptomized by a complete lack of interest in food or even choking when eating, this is one disorder that is seen more in males than females.
Other eating disorders: The inclination to eat non-food substances like chalk, yarn, dirt, etc. is known as Pica. Some people also suffer from Rumination disorder wherein they intentionally regurgitate food that is then re-swallowed, re-chewed or spit out.
What Causes Eating Disorders
Eating disorders may be caused by a blend of biological, environmental, and psychological disorders. Apart from genetics, high parental expectations regarding appearance or achievement, inability to manage conflict, marital tension, etc. may be responsible. Some people who are involved in activities where leanness is the key to success such as gymnastics, ballet, figure skating, etc. are also known to be more afflicted with this disorder. Rather than not eating at all, they should follow a nutritious diet, adopt a good exercise regimen and have the best prohormone for toning their bodies.
Symptoms of Eating Disorder
Typically, eating disorder symptoms are manifested in fluctuations in body weight, binge-eating when not being hungry or even not eating when being hungry, purging food after eating to retain a sense of control, feeling ashamed of your own body or being disgusted with oneself. Those suffering may be seen to be eating in private or exercising excessively even when the weather is not conducive or when suffering from injuries.
Other eating disorder symptoms may include muscle weakness or loss, osteoporosis, extreme fatigue, dizziness or even seizures, heavy hair loss, dry skin and hair, the growth of fine body hair, dehydration, damage to teeth and stomach from repeated vomiting, as well as abnormal results in lab tests of blood. Mental stress regarding food, body weight, appearance and lack of control are also often symptoms of an eating disorder.
Conclusion
If you notice anyone else with a typical condition, it is imperative that you alert others and ensure that the person has access to professional medical help. This could be crucial in preventing permanent damage to the body or even a completely unwarranted death.
