Eating disorder – the deadliest mental illness

We live in an imagination conscious culture, which urges all of us to improve our appearance. The recent and recurrent debate concerning the unhealthy, stick thin models used in the fashion industry is a perfect example of how strongly entrenched our notion of thinness equals happiness has become. However, many of us would benefit from eating a bit less and exercising more in order to improve our health and fitness, simply watching you eat is not an eating disorder.

However, eating disorders are potentially life- threatening illnesses which are formed by irregular eating habits, severe stress, or body weight and shape. As a general characterization, individuals with eating disorders tend to have difficulty accepting and feeling good about themselves. Eating disturbances can include very less or large amount of food intake which can damage a well-being.

Although these conditions are treatable, the symptoms and consequences can be detrimental and deadly if not looked after. Doctors, therapists and nutritionist treat eating disorders. Eating disorders commonly exist with other conditions, such as: Anxiety disorders, substance abuse or depression, hormone change, poor self-esteem, negative body image, peer pressure, nutrients deficiency, or sports related. Although, the three most common eating disorders are: Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa and Binge eating disorder.

Firstly anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder which is an obsessive fear of gaining weight and refusing to keep/ maintain a healthy body and a body image. This is clearly seen that the underweights think they’ve consumed way to much food and damaged the look of their body shape and weight which leads to many other health damages such as: such as brain damage, multi-organ failure, bone loss, heart difficulties, and infertility. The risk of death is highest in a person with this disease.

Secondly, bulimia nervosa is another eating disorder is characterized by repeated binge eating followed by behaviors that compensate for the overeating, such as forced vomiting, excessive exercise, or extreme use of laxatives or diuretics. This is the fear of weight gaining and feeling unhappy with body and weight size. The binge-eating and purging cycle is typically done in secret, creating feelings of shame, guilt, and lack of control. Bulimia can have injuring effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, severe dehydration, and heart difficulties resulting from an electrolyte imbalance.

Thirdly, binge is another common eating disorder which is losing frequent control over eating. Binge is totally different from bulimia nervosa; however episodes of binge-eating are not followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. This is why many people suffer from Binge, may be obese and at an increased risk of developing other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. They struggle with this disorder as it may also experience intense feelings of guilt, distress, and embarrassment related to their binge which could influence the further progression of the eating disorder.

These are the most common signs and symptoms of eating disorders:

• Chronic dieting despite being hazardously underweight
• Constant weight fluctuations
• Obsession with calories and fat contents of food
• Engaging in ritualistic eating patterns, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, eating alone, and/or hiding food
• Continued fixation with food, recipes, or cooking; the individual may cook intricate meals for others but refrain from partaking
• Depression or lethargic stage
• Avoidance of social functions, family, and friends. May become isolated and withdrawn
• Switching between periods of overeating and fasting.