The obsession with ideal weight and appearance is now so powerful that some people avoid food as if it were a disease. Eating disorders are mental health diseases caused by an unhealthy relationship with food, and their prevalence has increased! It can also have a severe physical and emotional impact on the individual who is affected and their family. As a result, seeking eating disorder treatment as soon as possible is critical.

Warning signs of an eating disorders

Though the eating disorder is more common in teens and young adults, anyone can develop it. So, you should be careful and consult a doctor if you notice that you/you’re:

• Worried about your look, food, and weight.
• Not satisfied with your body and want to lose more weight despite the comments of friends or family that you are underweight.
• Afraid of gaining weight.
• Let people around you think you ate when you didn’t.
• Don’t tell anyone about your eating habits because they are unhealthy.
• Feel anxious, upset, or guilty when eating.
• Check your body regularly.
• Force yourself to vomit or use laxatives to lose weight.

There are also physical signs

• Rapid weight loss.
• Irregular menstruation
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Constant feeling of tiredness.
• Sensitivity to cold weather.
• Inability to focus or think rationally.

Symptoms

People often feel guilt or shame about an eating disorder and try to hide their symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell who has an eating disorder. However, there are some behaviors that may help, such as:

• Dieting includes calorie counting, fasting, skipping meals, and avoiding certain food groups.
• Binge eating includes food storage.
• Vomiting or using laxatives to get rid of the food that has been eaten.
• Excessive exercise to the extent that the person refuses to disrupt the exercise routine for any reason or feels upset if he is not able to exercise.
• Social isolation to avoid social situations that involve eating.
• Focus on body shape and weight.
• Change the style of clothing and start to wear loose clothing.

Common types of eating disorders

Now it’s time to learn about the common types of eating disorders after knowing the symptoms and warning signs. Common types include:

Binge eating disorder

People with binge eating disorder often eat very large amounts of food, even if they are not hungry to feel shame and guilt after overeating.

Bulimia nervosa

People with this disorder suffer from frequent cravings, often eat in secret, but then get rid of food through vomiting, laxatives, or diet pills. About 1 in 10 people suffer from bulimia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa

People with this condition often suffer from severe underweight, because they avoid food as a result of their fear of gaining weight.

Other specified feeding or eating disorders

Those affected have many symptoms of other eating disorders, but their condition is not consistent with any specific disorder.

Causes of eating disorders

There is no single cause. It is usually due to a combination of factors, events, feelings, or stresses. For example, a person may use food to help him deal with painful situations or feelings without realizing it. As well, traumatic events such as the death of a special someone, bullying, abuse, or divorce can also lead to an eating disorder.

It may also affect people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, poor eyesight, or hearing loss.