Eating Disorder is a serious mental health condition that negatively impacts physical and emotional well-being. It is characterized by abnormal and disturbed eating habits. People with Eating Disorders can be of any age, however, it is found to be common among females developing eating disorders in their late teens or early twenties.
As per the National Eating Disorder Organisation, a whopping 9% of the total population in the US suffers from eating disorders. Being more common among women, it is estimated to be affecting 8.60% which is double the Male ratio. Research also states that eating disorder (ED) has the second-highest mortality rate after opiate addiction.
What causes eating disorders? The development of ED could be influenced by various factors including genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. It is also found that individuals with higher levels of body image disturbance are likely to be engaged in maladaptive habits to manipulate healthy weight management. Such habits could also result in ED. In case of severe symptoms, if left untreated ED can cause death.
Table of Contents
Different Types of Eating Disorders
The types of eating disorders are defined and differentiated based on specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Each type of eating disorder has distinct features in terms of physical, behavioral, and Psychological impacts.
A must-read for those lacking self-esteem due to body image concerns Top 5 Key Principles to Building Unshakable Self-Esteem.
Let us understand the different types of ED and their impacts.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa which is the most well-known disorder is characterized by extremely low body weight and a fear of gaining weight. People with Anorexia Nervosa put a high value on their body image and weight being over careful about what they eat and aggressively controlling their weight.
To control body weight they become extra careful counting calories and even build a habit of vomiting after eating. They may also try to lose weight by exercising excessively. Misuse of dietary supplements and laxatives is found common in patients with Anorexia Nervosa.
Symptoms:
- Extreme resisting eating pattern
- Habits of vomiting after every meal
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Denial of the existence of disorder
- Excessive exercise
- Starvation due to the heavy influence of body weight
- Imbalanced menstrual cycle
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
Anorexia Nervosa isn’t related to any physical condition but a mental condition that is rooted in low self-esteem. It can be life-threatening if left untreated due to heart, brain, or organ failure.
Bulimia Nervosa
Quiet opposite from anorexia Nervosa. People with Bulimia Nervosa disorder have a habit of eating. With no self-control over the quantity they eat, they often overconsume food resulting in weight gain. After eating, however, they experience feelings of shame and guilt and try vomiting and purging.
People with Bulimia Nervosa often judge their body over minor details or slight weight changes. Similar to Anorexia Nervosa, the symptoms of forced vomiting, laxative abuse, and excessive exercise are found common among people with bulimia nervosa.
Symptoms:
- Being eating until being painfully full
- Extreme low self-image
- Fear of gaining weight
- Having mood swings
- Dietary and laxative abuse
- Fasting due to fear of gaining weight
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge Eating Disorder is much like bulimia nervosa. This is one of the most common illnesses among adolescents. This condition is characterized by the habit of being unable to stop eating and the continuous urge to keep eating. They often consume large amounts of meals even after getting full.
People with Binge Eating Disorder experience guilt for not being able to have any control over their eating habits. They try to restrict themselves from eating by forced fasting which negatively impacts the habit by creating more urges to eat more.
Symptoms:
- A feeling of being unable to stop eating
- Eating even when not hungry
- Eating more in secret
- Depressed and disgusted about your eating habit
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID earlier known as feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood was a diagnostic for children under the age of 7. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder includes extremely limited eating or not eating certain foods. Individuals affected by this illness often stick to very limited diets that do not provide all the nutrients the body needs.
People with this disorder do not have a fear of gaining weight and are not weight-conscious. Due to a lack of nutrients the body promotes a weaker immune system gradually leading to severe health problems.
Symptoms:
- Skipping meals often
- Constraining to a very limited diet
- Making own meals
- Eating in secret
- Vomiting right after a meal
Rumination Disorder
Rumination Disorder or Rumination Syndrom is a type of disorder that is described as regurgitating undigested food or partially digested food from the stomach. The regurgitated food is then chewed again and swallowed or spit out. People with this illness do not purposefully regurgitate the food as it happens automatically.
People with this disorder experience rumination after eating every meal. The food consumed has not been yet digested so it tastes like regular food. The cause of this disorder is yet not explained and the statistics on the patients have not yet been described.
Symptoms:
- Regurgitation within minutes of eating
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Dental Problems
Pica
Pica is a type of eating disorder that involves persistent eating of non-nutritive and non-food substances for a long period of as much as a month. Individuals with pica may be addicted to substances like ice, dirt, soil, chalk, paper, etc.
Pica can be dangerous in case of continuous eating of non-substance food and substances that are not edible. For example, eating soil can lead to many infections, eating hair can cause blockage and damage the digestive system, and eating other non-edible substances such as pebbles can harm teeth.
Symptoms:
- Craving to eat a certain type of non-edible substance
- Anemia
- Constipation
- Stomach poisoning
- Gut Injuries
Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)
OSFED includes ED that do not meet the criteria listed above but still cause significant distress and impairment.
Although it could be any other unusual habit of eating, it is important to pay attention to it if it causes any type of negative impact on one’s physical or mental health.
The Genetic Link to Eating Disorders
Major EDs such as Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorders arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A genome-wide association study of anorexia nervosa has identified specific loci, and genetic correlations that implicate both psychiatric and metabolic factors in its origin. Genetics plays a crucial role in developing such conditions. Let’s see some of the key genetic contributing factors.
1. Genetic Predisposition
- Eating disorders often run in families. First-degree relatives are more likely to inherit EDs and are considered to be at higher risk.
- It is found that Identical twins are more likely to share ED illnesses highlighting genetic components.
2. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS)
- GWAS have identified genetic loci associated with eating disorders, such as a significant association on chromosome 12 linked to anorexia nervosa.
- Genes related to serotonin (HTR2A), dopamine (DRD2), and appetite regulation (BDNF) are implicated to be the cause of various eating disorders.
- Multiple genes collectively influence susceptibility, each with a small effect.
3. Interaction of Gene-Environment
- Environmental triggers such as Cultural pressures, trauma, stress, and dieting behaviors can trigger ED in individuals.
- Environmental factors like stress and diet can cause epigenetic changes affecting gene expression and eating disorder risk
The Relationship Between OCD and Eating Disorders
OCD also known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a common mental health condition characterized by obsessive and repetitive behavior or mental acts that an individual feels to perform. It can significantly impact daily activities and cause distress. Some common compulsions in OCD include washing and cleaning objects or surfaces repetitively, Checking on activities, counting, arranging things in a certain manner, and mental rituals like repeatedly saying some phrases or words.
OCD and Eating disorders can come along with symptoms such as obsessive thoughts about food leading to compulsive behaviors such as binge eating and purging. According to studies, It is estimated that 20 to 60% of patients with ED also have a history of OCD.
OCD and Eating disorders may have common subcategories such as depression and anxiety. The causes of the co-occurrence may include neurobiological, genetic, and environmental factors.
Treatment options for OCD and Eating Disorders
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be used for both OCD and eating disorders. Medication such as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to treat both OCD and eating disorders.
A Closer Look on Autism and Eating Disorders
Autism also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that affects the behavior, communication, and social interaction in an individual. Some of the common symptoms of Autism are listed below:
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Individuals with ASD may have difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in back-and-forth conversation.
- Repeating words and phrases, delayed response while communicating.
- Common behavior of rocking, spinning, and hand flapping.
- Showing distress over a slight change in daily routine
- Over-sensitive to light, sound, and smells.
Autism and Eating Disorders can have similar characteristics due to the unique interplay of symptoms. Symptoms such as repetitive behavior in ASD can extend to repetitive eating patterns resulting in an ED. Because of sensitivity to smell, certain foods may cause discomfort for ASD patients leading to being extremely selective while eating.
Research has shown that 27.5% of patients with ED have shown traits of Autism. Autism with eating disorders can be treated with CBT, Tailored approaches, and family-based therapy.
Impacts of Eating Disorders on Athletes
Eating disorders are significantly common among athletes. As surprising as it may seem Eating disorders have a high impact on athletes due to the unique pressures and high demand of competitive sports. Let’s talk about some of the most common reasons that lead to this disorder.
Athletes particularly in sports such as gymnastics, ballet, wrestling, and distance running are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders compared to athletes in any other sports. Due to the maintenance of body weight, leanness, and aesthetics eating disorders become a common concern among these athletes.
According to studies by Eating Disorder Hopes, almost 13.5% of athletes struggle with an eating disorder among which 45% in female and 19% in male athletes.
Treatment and Support
- Early Detection: It is important to detect symptoms of disorders beforehand for a step forward to treatment. Regular screening for eating disorders in athletes, and those in high-risk sports is crucial.
- Spreading Awareness: Educating trainers, coaches, and athletes about the signs and risks of eating disorders can help detect symptoms in the early phase.
- Medical Monitoring: Regular health check-ups of athletes to monitor the consequences of eating disorders.
- Nutritional Counselling: A monitored dietitian’s recommended diet plan can be a great method to monitor the nutritional intake of athletes.
- Psychological Support: When detecting symptoms, Psychological support such as CBT and other therapeutic supports can be provided to athletes to manage eating disorders.
Eugenia Cooney’s Eating Disorders
Eugenia Cooney is a well-known social media personality and YouTuber who has gained significant attention due to her health concerns. In her early social media appearance, she was a well-known influencer in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle-related content. Starting her social media presence in 2011 she gained millions of followers across various platforms,
Over the years, Eugenia’s health started being concerning due to her extremely thin appearance. It then became widespread and to a broader spectrum. Due to her visible weight loss and frail appearance, it was presumed her to have been suffering from anorexia nervosa. Her condition then became a topic of extensive discussion in the media and online presence.
After initial denial and resistance, she then made her condition publicly known with the cause of making more people aware of the illness. While her health concerns remained a topic of discussion, it also serves as a reminder of the need for compassion, support, and care for those suffering from eating disorders.
Conclusion
Eating Disorder is a serious mental health condition affecting various types and accompanied by many other illnesses. It can be life-threatening if left untreated. Understanding that eating disorders can arise from many combinations of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors implies the importance of a comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention.
If you know someone in your family or friends going through such a condition, consider talking to them about this and taking effective majors for the treatment of this illness. With compassion and care, you may be able to encourage them to seek treatment. If you are already someone who is a caregiver to such patients, you may want to read more on Self-Care for Caregivers: Prioritizing Your Wellbeing While Caring for Others.