Eating disorders are complex and can affect individuals of any gender, age, or background. They involve a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. These disorders can have serious physical, emotional, and social consequences if left untreated. Eating disorders require professional diagnosis and treatment by healthcare providers specializing in eating disorders and mental health. Treatment typically involves a combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions, including therapy, support groups, and in some cases, medication.
Eating disorders are complex and can affect individuals of any gender, age, or background. They involve a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. These disorders can have serious physical, emotional, and social consequences if left untreated.
Eating disorders require professional diagnosis and treatment by healthcare providers specializing in eating disorders and mental health. Treatment typically involves a combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions, including therapy, support groups, and in some cases, medication.
About 30 million Americans, including approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men, will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime. Eating disorders appear to be on the rise, with global rates more than doubling between 2000 and 2018.
Experts believe that a variety of factors may contribute to eating disorders.One of these is genetics. People who have a sibling or parent with an eating disorder seem to be at an increased risk of developing one.Personality traits are another factor. In particular, neuroticism, perfectionism, and impulsivity are three personality traits often linked to a higher risk of developing an eating disorder, according to a 2015 research review.Other potential causes include perceived pressures to be thin, cultural preferences for thinness, and exposure to media promoting these ideals. More recently, experts have proposed that differences in brain structure and biology may also play a role in the development of eating disorders. In particular, levels of the brain messaging chemicals serotonin and dopamine may be factors. However, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made.
In general, behaviors and attitudes that indicate that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns. Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat grams, and dieting. Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food (e.g., no carbohydrates, etc.) Appears uncomfortable eating around others. Food rituals (e.g. eats only a particular food or food group [e.g. condiments], excessive chewing, doesn’t allow foods to touch). Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals. Any new practices with food or fad diets, including cutting out entire food groups (no sugar, no carbs, no dairy, vegetarianism/veganism). Withdrawal from usual friends and activities Frequent dieting. Extreme concern with body size and shape. Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance. Extreme mood swings
Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down. Stomach cramps, other non-specific gastrointestinal complaints (constipation, acid reflux, etc.). Menstrual irregularities — missing periods or only having a period while on hormonal contraceptives (this is not considered a “true” period). Difficulties concentrating. Abnormal laboratory findings (anemia, low thyroid and hormone levels, low potassium, low white and red blood cell counts). Dizziness, especially upon standing. Fainting/syncope. Feeling cold all the time. Sleep problems. Cuts and calluses across the top of finger joints (a result of inducing vomiting). Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity. Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails. Swelling around area of salivary glands. Fine hair on body (lanugo). Cavities, or discoloration of teeth, from vomiting. Muscle weakness. Yellow skin (in context of eating large amounts of carrots). Cold, mottled hands and feet or swelling of feet. Poor wound healing. Impaired immune functioning
Secret recurring episodes of binge eating (eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is much larger than most individuals would eat under similar circumstances); feels lack of control over ability to stop eating. Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating, and/or feelings of low self-esteem. Steals or hoards food in strange places. Creates lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge sessions. Evidence of binge eating, including the disappearance of large amounts of food in a short time period or a lot of empty wrappers and containers indicating consumption of large amounts of food
Click to Learn More