What is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are a common medical condition that can affect anyone. It is a disorder that is caused by various behavioral conditions. Eating disorders cause a disruption in eating and the way food is digested.
Anyone who suffers from eating disorders will often develop unusual behaviors and attitudes that will prevent them from eating properly. Such as distressing thoughts, emotions, and psychological issues.
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This can become serious, therefore medical attention is required. Another name for an eating disorder is called anorexia.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
There are different symptoms of eating disorders involved. Some symptoms of eating disorders include:
- Less eating habits
- Mood swings
- Substance abuse
- Binge eating
- Digestion problems
- Body dysmorphia
It is important that individuals who suffer from eating disorders should visit their local GP regularly. The symptoms can occur whenever the individual is trying to develop regular eating habits. In doing so the person may vomit the food back out and have difficulty trying to eat again.
How common are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are becoming common over the years. According to the priory group in the last 40 years, eating disorders have become a national issue in the UAE and in other countries.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, know that you are not alone as there are many people who are suffering from the same medical condition as you.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that cause great distress to a person and can lead to short-term or long-term difficulties. According to further research Between 1.25 to 3.4 million people within the UAE are affected by eating disorders.
At least 25% of those with an eating disorder are male whereas most eating disorders occur between the ages of 16-40.
Here are five facts about eating disorders. They include:
- A serious medical condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly
- Eating disorders are life-threatening and can cause harm to the body
- A person who suffers from an eating disorder can recover.
- It will take time for individuals who suffer from eating disorders to overcome it
- Both women and men can suffer from eating disorders.
Eating disorders are a worldwide problem and should be talked about in modern society. It is a sensitive topic and should be dealt with according to health guidelines.
Types of eating disorders
There are different types of eating disorders. Examples of eating disorders are anorexia, Binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and Rumination disorder. It is important to remember that eating disorders can occur through feelings and emotions aside from food.
All the eating disorders listed above can be treated however it can take time for some people more than others as everyone dealing with eating disorders recover at different times.
How do Eating disorders cause Anorexia?
Anorexia is a type of eating disorder that affects the weight of a person. Individuals would feel that they would need to keep their weight as low as possible. This can happen due to individuals becoming insecure about themselves and undergoing the fear of not being able to put on weight. Eating disorders cause dizziness and fainting as well as fatigue and insomnia.
Anorexia involves the starvation of the body and leads to emotional distress. In order for the body to recover it is essential that you eat lots of protein and healthy foods as well as foods that can be swallowed and digested. This will allow your body to get used to your eating habits and break the food down so that it can be taken in.
Who is affected by anorexia?
Anorexia can happen in both males and females. Not eating healthy or not eating at all can affect your diet massively making it harder to gain weight. According to anorexia bulimia care over 1.6 million people suffer from eating disorders that involve anorexia.
Anorexia can happen in both men and women. Recent studies show girls and women are more affected by anorexia than men over the years.
Anorexia first starts to develop in teens at the ages of 16 and 17. However there is not a specific set age that anorexia occurs, it can happen to anyone at any age. The condition is most common in women between the ages of 16 and 40.
Support and Health facilities
Most people who suffer from anorexia are unable to speak out due to fear, nervousness, guilt, and sorrow. People with anorexia may not speak out about the issue as they may feel neglected and ridiculed by others who may not take them seriously.
It is important that you seek medical attention if you suffer from anorexia as soon as possible. As prolonging it can cause serious damage to your mental health. Anorexia should never be taken lightly and therefore needs to be treated with care.
Aside from visiting your local GP, there are many other types of help that can be of assistance. Young people can seek advice and help from community centers, teachers, student support services, universities, family members, friends, and health systems such as walking centers.
These are support systems that have been put into place by the UAE government to resolve all mental health issues that are infecting society.
Health Risks
There are many health risks that pertain to eating disorders. Such examples include self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, and significant weight loss. This is common in women, for men, the risks include exercising profusely and fasting.
There are various health risks that are found in men and women who suffer from anorexia. Hair loss and dehydration are one of the causes of anorexia as they can make a person feel dizzy or lightheaded. Some health risks are short term and some are long term which means recovery is possible but may take some time. People who suffer from eating disorders or anorexia should ensure that the medication they are taking does not worsen their condition if so they should immediately call the emergency helpline on 999 or visit their GP if the aftereffects are not too problematic.