Eating disorders are psychiatric illnesses that damage a person's physical and mental health and reduce their overall quality of life - relationships, work and personal development are affected.

In eating disorders, the connection with one's own body is disrupted, which leads to extremely problematic eating behavior. Overemphasis is placed on weight and body shape, underweight is idealized, and various methods are used to lose weight or prevent weight gain.

During their lifetime, approximately 8% of women and 2% of men will develop an eating disorder. Eating disorders occur in any population, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. However, they most often occur in girls and young women.

The term "eating disorder" is often mistakenly used as a synonym for selective eating disorder, since both involve disordered eating. However, their causes are different: an eating disorder is caused by a desire to control weight, while in a selective eating disorder, eating certain foods causes anxiety or fear.

Other eating disorders

Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder are three of the most common and well-known eating disorders. However, often not all of the symptoms of a person with an eating disorder correspond to one specific disorder. In such cases, these disorders are called “atypical” or “other eating disorders.” There is a common myth that in such cases the course of the disease is milder and treatment is taken more lightly. However, this is erroneous, since the name of the disease indicates only its diagnostic criteria, and not its severity or course.

Causes of eating disorders

There is never one single reason for the development of eating disorders. These are complex diseases in the development of which a combination of many factors plays an important role. Genetic, biological and environmental factors always play a role. Modern social attitudes, including diet culture and the cult of thinness, contribute to the development of psychological vulnerability, which can become a fertile environment for the development of eating disorders. It is likely for the same reasons that higher rates of eating disorders are observed in sports in which weight is a major concern and in appearance-oriented professions. However, it should be emphasized that viewing social networks or playing certain sports does not contribute to the development of the disease. There are many factors involved in the development of the disease that are usually beyond a person's control. However, it is often more practical and even more important to identify disease-sustaining factors, since changing them is associated with better treatment outcomes.

An eating disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors and a preoccupation with body weight, shape, and food. It involves a range of harmful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to food and body image. Eating disorders can have serious physical, emotional, and social consequences and require professional intervention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

There are several types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). Each of these disorders has distinct characteristics and diagnostic criteria, but they all share an unhealthy relationship with food and body image.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, leading to significantly low body weight. Individuals with anorexia often have an intense fear of gaining weight and may engage in excessive exercise or other compensatory behaviors. Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercising, or the misuse of laxatives or diuretics. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food without compensatory behaviors.

Eating disorders can have a profound impact on physical health, leading to malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, hormonal disruptions, and organ damage. They can also affect mental and emotional well-being, causing low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of the condition. It may include medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, psychotherapy, and in some cases, medication. Family-based therapies and support groups can also play a crucial role in the recovery process.

Early intervention is essential for eating disorder treatment, as these conditions can become chronic if left untreated. It is important to seek help from healthcare professionals who specialize in eating disorders to receive an accurate diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Prevention efforts for eating disorders focus on promoting positive body image, fostering healthy relationships with food, and challenging societal pressures related to appearance. Education and awareness campaigns aim to reduce stigma and increase understanding of the complexities surrounding eating disorders.

Overall, eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that require professional intervention. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals can achieve recovery and develop a healthier relationship with food, body image, and themselves.