Mental Wellbeing Network

Eating Disorders

Zeshaan Ditta

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders is a condition that makes it difficult to swallow and digest food. There are many symptoms that come with the condition that can affect a person severely. Therefore, it should not be taken lightly and must be treated immediately.

Anyone who suffers from the disease will notice they would develop problematic behaviours and attitudes. This could be they are frustrated or annoyed by their condition as they are having issues coping with it.

It is important that those who have been affected or are showing symptoms should visit the hospital straight away. The doctor would perform an x-ray scan and a number of check-ups to determine what exactly is the issue and prescribe useful medication.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders

There are different symptoms of eating disorders involved. They include:

These symptoms can become short term or long term depending on how severe the condition is. This can be passed down by family through genetics. There are a number of factors that affects eating disorders such as exercising, bodyweight or going on a diet.

How common are eating disorders?

Eating disorders have become well known in the UK nationally and around the world. This means they occur in both men and women but mainly happen in women. According to the priory group at least 3.4 million people in the Uk are affected by the medical condition. This proves that they are very common which shows that not enough information is covered on the issue.

If you are suffering from an eating disorder just know that you are not alone and you can overcome it there are various resources, health facilities and help available that can be used to combat it.

Eating disorders start to develop in the early stages of teen years and can progress straight into adulthood. It is better to treat it immediately, as soon as you are diagnosed with the condition.

At least 25% of those with an eating disorder are male and occur between the ages of 16-40. (Statistics, n.d.)

5 Facts about eating disorders

Here are five facts about eating disorders. They include:

Eating disorders are a worldwide problem therefore, it is essential to know about in modern society. Few people know how to deal with this condition so end up panicking which can affect their mental health badly.

Types of eating disorders

There are different types of eating disorders. Some examples are anorexia, Binge eating disorder and Rumination disorder. It is important to remember that eating disorders can also occur through feelings and emotions aside from food.

All eating disorders have treatments that can benefit those who are suffering from the disease however it can take time for some people more than others as everyone dealing with it recover at different times.

How 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 of themselves and undergo 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 involve a suitable number of calories and less fat. This will allow your body to adapt to your eating habits.

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.

Recent studies show women suffer from anorexia than men over the years. It can start off as a mild symptom and then progress drastically as the days go by.

 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.

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 can destroy confidence and make a person feel insecure of their weight therefore needs attending to.

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 centres, teachers, student support services, universities, family members, friends and health systems such as walking centres.

These are support systems that benefit people so they can receive the best possible care,  the UK government has ensured that the support is there for those who need it and is a useful way to resolve all mental health issues.

Health Risks

There are many health risks that involve eating disorders. Such examples include vomiting, substance abuse and weight loss. Each gender has different symptoms and conditions relating to the disease such as fasting or exercising a lot of the time.

There are different health risks found in people 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.

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