Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are of several types, each with unique features:

• Pica: The consumption of non-nutritive substances such as paper, paint, metal, stones, soil and chalk.
• Anorexia nervosa: A condition marked by severe restriction of food intake, leading to abnormally low body weight. Affected individuals often have an intense fear of weight gain or becoming fat along with a distorted perception of one’s own body weight and body shape. This results in extreme efforts to control weight and body shape, significantly interfering with daily life.
• Bulimia nervosa: Characterised by eating large amounts of food in a short time with loss of control. It is accompanied by compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, laxative use, diuretics, administering enemas or performing excessive exercise to avoid weight gain. Individuals with bulimia often have a distorted perception of body weight and shape.
• Binge eating disorder: Involves eating large amounts of food quickly, often to the point of feeling uncomfortably full. Individuals may eat alone and feel guilty about their eating habits, but unlike bulimia, this disorder is not associated with compensatory behaviour.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of disorder. Common symptoms are:

• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Drastic weight changes (loss or gain)
• Forced vomiting after meals
• Eating unusually large amounts of food
• Avoiding social interaction

Eating disorders develop from a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. Common risk factors include:

• Genetics: Family history of eating disorders or mental illness
• Cultural perspective of ideal weight: Unrealistic beauty standards or preference for a thin body
• Peer pressure: Pressure from friends, media, or social networks
• Underlying mental health conditions: Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem

Eating disorder can be diagnosed by:

• Physical examination: To check weight, nutrition, and overall health
• Imaging and lab tests: To look for complications such as electrolyte imbalance (abnormal salts in the body), heart issues, or organ damage
• Psychological evaluation: To assess thoughts, behaviours, and feelings about food and body image

Treatment for the disorder includes:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy): Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and family therapy to address unhealthy thoughts and behaviours.
• Medications: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed.
• Nutritional counselling: To build healthy eating habits with the guidance of a dietitian.
• Support groups: Sharing experiences with others in recovery.

Patients are advised to seek medical help if they have sudden, unexplained weight loss or gain, avoid food or eat in secret, and experience constant fatigue, dizziness, or fainting spells.

While eating disorders cannot always be prevented, some steps may reduce risk:

• Promoting a positive body image and self-esteem
• Encouraging balanced, healthy eating habits
• Avoiding extreme dieting or fad diets
• Seeking help early if negative thoughts about food or body arise

For management of eating disorders, patients may consult a Psychiatrist (for diagnosis and medication), Psychologist/Therapist (for counselling and psychotherapy), and Dietitian/Nutritionist (for meal planning and healthy eating guidance).