What is an Eating Disorder?

depressed young woman having headache, feeling sad, worry about problem

 

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that involve unhealthy eating habits. These disorders can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, or background.

 

There are three main types
of eating disorders:

 

Anorexia Nervosa

People with anorexia are very afraid of gaining weight. They may think they are overweight even when they are not. To control their weight, they might eat very little, exercise a lot, and use other methods to lose weight.

Bulimia Nervosa

People with bulimia eat a lot of food in a short amount of time and then try to get rid of it by using laxatives, exercising a lot, or throwing up so they won’t gain weight.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

People with BED also eat large amounts of food in a short time. But unlike bulimia, they don’t try to get rid of the food afterward. This can cause unhealthy weight gain and health problems.

The causes of eating disorders include:

  1. Genetics – If someone in your
    family has an eating disorder,
    you might be at higher risk.
  2. Social Pressure – Society’s
    expectations to look a certain
    way can make people more
    likely to develop eating
    disorders.
  3. Psychological Factors –
    Feeling bad about yourself, or
    being anxious or depressed,
    can increase the risk of an
    eating disorder.
  4. Trauma – Being bullied or
    experiencing emotional abuse

Signs of eating disorders include:

  1. Large changes in weight.
  2. Thinking about food all the time.
  3. Constantly dieting.
  4.  Avoiding eating in front of others.
  5.  Exercising too much.
  6. Mood swings.

Eating disorders can cause health problems such as:

  1. Malnutrition (not getting enough nutrients)
  2. Dehydration
  3. Digestive problems
  4. Weak bones
  5. Hormonal problems

 

Treatment for eating disorders includes:

  1. Therapy – Counseling can help
    change the way people think
    about food and their bodies.
  2. Medical Help – Doctors and
    nutritionists can help people get
    physically healthy again.
  3. Support Groups – Talking with
    others who understand can help
    people feel supported.

Resources:

National Eating Disorders Associations (NEDA):
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

 

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This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.