FOOD; the one thing we all love until it starts becoming an enemy. We’ve seen eating disorders in movies and heard about them in dramatic health awareness campaigns, but it's not just a Western thing. It’s real, it’s dangerous, and no, skipping lunch once in a while because you “forgot” to eat doesn’t count.
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FOOD; the one thing we all love until it starts becoming an enemy. We’ve seen eating disorders in movies and heard about them in dramatic health awareness campaigns, but it's not just a Western thing. It’s real, it’s dangerous, and no, skipping lunch once in a while because you “forgot” to eat doesn’t count.
What Are Eating Disorders?
In the old days, they were just called “eating disorders,” but because the DSM-5 likes to sound fancy, they’re now known as Feeding and Eating Disorders (FED). These conditions interfere with your relationship with food, body image, and sometimes your entire existence. They’re not just about dieting gone wrong; they’re serious mental health conditions that can lead to major health issues or worse.
Why Do They Happen?
The reasons behind eating disorders are as complicated as talking stages and situationships. But here are the main factors:
1. Biological Factors:
Genetics: If someone in your family has an eating disorder, congratulations—you’ve got a higher chance of getting one too. Thanks, DNA!
Neurobiological Factors: Serotonin (the “happy” chemical) plays a big role in mood and appetite regulation. If it’s out of balance, your eating habits might be too.
2. Psychological Factors: Often related to Perfectionism, Obsessive tendencies and fear of weight gain.
3. Developmental Factors: Childhood trauma? Neglect? Abuse? Sadly, all these increase the risk of developing an eating disorder later in life.
4. Sociocultural Factors: Blame Hollywood, Instagram, and every “perfect” influencer who sells detox tea. Society’s obsession with being skinny fuels this disorder more than fast food fuels late-night cravings.
Now, let’s get into the main types of eating disorders because yes, there’s more than one.
1. Anorexia Nervosa ( The “I’m Never Skinny Enough” Syndrome)
This is the most well-known eating disorder and, unfortunately, one of the deadliest. People with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight, even when they look like they could be carried away by a strong breeze. They starve themselves, exercise obsessively, and sometimes use laxatives or diuretics to stay underweight.
2. Bulimia Nervosa ( The “Binge and Regret” Cycle)
Imagine eating everything in sight, then feeling overwhelming guilt and deciding to “undo” the damage by vomiting or starving yourself. That’s bulimia. Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia are usually of normal weight, so it often goes unnoticed. It’s a dangerous cycle that messes up both your body and mind.
Common symptoms:
Sore throat (from vomiting).
Acid reflux (stomach acid is not your friend).
Electrolyte imbalances (leading to potential heart problems).
This is like bulimia but without the purging. People eat massive amounts of food, often in secret, even when they’re not hungry. The guilt follows, but the cycle continues. It’s more common in men and often leads to obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.
4. Pica (“Wait, You Ate What?”)
If someone tells you they’re craving chalk, soap, or soil, they might have Pica. This disorder is common in children, pregnant women (blame the hormones), and people with intellectual disabilities. In some cases, it’s linked to nutrient deficiencies, like iron deficiency during pregnancy, and is self-resolving in both children and pregnant women But life threatening in intellectually disabled persons.
Heavy metal poisoning (eating batteries is NOT a snack).
Intestinal blockages (because paper doesn’t digest well).
5. Rumination Disorder ( “Chew, Swallow, Repeat” But Not in a Good Way)
This one is new to the official eating disorder list. It’s when someone regurgitates food on purpose, chews it again, and either swallows it or spits it out. No, they’re not cows. This disorder usually starts in infancy but can continue into adulthood, leading to malnutrition.
How Do You Treat Eating Disorders?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but treatment usually includes:
Psychotherapy: Whether it’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family-Based Therapy, or Interpersonal Therapy, talking about your problems with a professional helps.
Medication: Antidepressants (because brain chemistry matters) and medications like Fluoxetine.
Nutritional Counseling: Helping people relearn how to eat like normal humans. Sometimes, this includes nasogastric feeding for severe cases.
Monitoring and Aftercare: Recovering from an eating disorder isn’t just about gaining weight—it’s about staying mentally strong and avoiding relapse.
Don’t Let Shame Win
Eating disorders aren’t a “white people thing” or a “phase.” They’re serious mental health conditions that can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know is struggling, get help. There’s no shame in seeking treatment. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not feared.
So, let’s eat responsibly and leave the extreme dieting to the supermodels (who, by the way, also struggle with eating disorders).
