Eating Disorders Are RisingHow Do We Combat Them

There are many health concerns that awareness is rising about as the number of suffers increases. Eating disorders are one of these areas for concern. Understanding why eating disorders are growing and what you can do to help prevent them is imperative.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that negatively affect a person’s health, emotions, and overall quality of life. Some common eating disorders include binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa. Most of these disorders develop because the person focuses too much on their body shape and weight, though it can be tied to anxiety and depression as well. This condition often develops in teens and young adults. However, younger children and adults can also develop eating disorders and should not be ignored. Because there are so many varieties of eating disorders, you should be aware of a variety of warning signsto look for in your children and loved ones.

How Eating Disorders Impact the Body

These dangerous eating behaviors can drastically impact a person’s nutrition and lead to more serious medical conditions. Eating disorders most commonly cause harm to the digestive system, teeth, bones, and heart. Poor nutrition can also affect neurological processes. Once treatment is undergone, a person’s eating habits can return to healthier ones and they can work to reverse serious complications that were a result of the eating disorder, though some damage cannot be undone.

Getting Diagnosed

Eating disorders are diagnosed based on a person’s symptoms and eating habits. If you or a loved one are experiencing the negative effects of an eating disorder, it’s a good idea to speak with a trained physician. They can do an evaluation to determine your diagnosis. Your primary care physician, dietitians, and a mental health professional are all going to be involved in your treatment plan. They’ll work together as a team to remedy the causes of your disorder and get you back to a healthy lifestyle.

Types of Treatment

Depending on the specific type of eating disorder being addressed, several different treatments can be utilized. Those who are having difficulty with especially severe eating disorders, who cannot move past them on their own may be referred to inpatient eating disorder treatment. Most treatments will generally include educating the patient about nutrition, medication, and psychotherapy. Each treatment plan will involve a healthy eating plan that allows the person to achieve healthier eating habits during their everyday life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is utilized to replace the unhealthy thoughts and habits of the patient with healthier ones. Since anxiety and depression tend to be linked with eating disorders, anti-depressants are commonly prescribed to patients.

Hopefully, you have a better idea of what eating disorders are and how harmful they can be to the body. Getting treatment for an eating disorder is a great first step towards a healthy lifestyle. If you or someone you know has symptoms of an eating disorder, then you should seek medical attention to get the disorder under control.