Eating disorders are a group of food-related disorders that are characterized by intake of inadequate or excessive food, purging of large meals, and obsession with weight and body shape and an unhealthy relationship with food and body shape.
There are different types of eating disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa: In this type of disorder, the male/female patient will severely limit their food intake, obsessively count calories and have body dysmorphia (will think they are over-weight even though they are under-weight). Long term effects on anorexia are brain damage, heart damage, multi-organ failure, bone loss and infertility. Anorexia can lead to death, in some cases.
Bulimia Nervosa: People who suffer from Bulimia Nervosa are trapped in a pattern of overeating and purging. They eat a giant meal and then follow it up by vomiting out the stomach contents on purpose or excessive exercise or use of laxatives and diuretics. This cycle instills a feeling of shame and guilt in these people. A person with bulimia nervosa has false perceptions of their body shape and is obsessed with their weight. This disease has severe effect on the gastrointestinal system and the heart.
Binge Eating disorders: Eating a large, calorie-filled meal is known as a ‘binge’. Unlike bulimia, the person does not purge out the meal. However, after eating this meal, the person is plagued with feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment which lead to anxiety. To deal with these feelings, this person ends up eating another large meal, thus getting stuck in a vicious cycle.
Eating disorders are commonly seen in teenagers and young adults but can affect any age group. Apart from genetic disposition; psychosocial elements such as self-esteem, peer group pressure, and dysfunctional family life can also lead to developing these disorders.
Treatment includes medication for any underlying cause (depression, anxiety), therapy, and nutritional education as well as support groups.