Eating disorder is a crucial mental health condition that can arise due to various psychological and socio-cultural reasons. It has mostly been associated with acquiring a certain body shape or size or seeking comfort in food. Studies have shown its prevalence in western countries on account of the big cosmetic and fat-loss industry. But, the disorder stems due to many other reasons and is not limited to geography or culture. It can begin as a psychological condition causing deterioration in physical well-being. Eating disorders have a detrimental impact on the patient’s physiological, psychological, emotional, and social state. This disease is found to be more prevalent in women than in men, owing to the unethical and unrealistic body standards set by beauty industries.
The condition is not age or gender-specific. But, it is diagnosed mostly among teenagers, where many are trying to fit in, to stand out, find comfort, or are fearful of the judgment from their family and friends.
In medical terms, the specific types of eating disorders are — binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), rumination disorder, and pica. The largest number of patients suffer from anorexia nervosa. These diseases are sparsely researched and their implications are yet to be explored.
Binge-eating disorder — It is an eating disorder condition where people eat a large amount of food and are unable to curb their eating portions. Usually, people suffering from this condition tend to eat sporadically and at untimely hours, even when they are not hungry. They usually eat alone due to the fear of being judged or caught. This can lead to unanticipated weight gain, resulting in obesity and other physical issues.
Anorexia nervosa — It mainly affects women, and is mostly observed among teenagers. In this disorder, the patient severely limits the food intake or avoids it completely. They recurringly keep a check on their weight, even though it falls in a normal body mass index range. Anorexia nervosa can be of two types — the restrictive type where people restrict the amount of food consumed to very low, and binge-purge — where the patient indulges in binge eating and later purges it by vomiting or consuming laxatives.
Bulimia nervosa — The person suffering from this disorder eats uncontrollably or eats a lot in a short period, and compensates for the activity by unrestrained exercise or purging activity like vomiting or use of laxatives. This disorder can go unidentified for a long time, leading to severe complications.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder — It involves dodging the meal due to repulsion against the color, texture, or taste of the food. It can also be caused due to low appetite or disinterest in food.
Rumination Disorder — In this disorder the patient regurgitates food, which is a recurring event. It can happen subconsciously due to some developmental disorders, mostly noted among children.
Pica — The patient eats uneatable and indigestible food for a long period in this disorder. It may require medical treatment. The inedible items may include anything from soap, chalk, paint to cloth or hair.
An unhealthy relationship between food and the body can induce eating disorders. The symptoms may include eating unusual, either very little or too much. Many patients with eating disorders are suicidal, and it can be potentially life-threatening if left undiagnosed. People suffering from an eating disorder can seek help from counselors, dieticians, medical experts, or psychotherapists. The remedies can be medication, nutrition, and medical care. You must know, this condition is fully recoverable.
Conclusively, the well-being of an individual comes from the nourishment from their surrounding. Self-love is another potent remedy that can help you transcend this condition. The treatment can be short-term or long-term depending on the damage or recovery. The patient must take an active role in the recovery process.
As social beings, it is our collective responsibility to be compassionate to people around us and create a healthy living environment for everyone.
