The Fear Of Eating

Did I eat too much? Why did I eat so much? These are typical thoughts of someone suffering from an eating disorder. Food is a basic human need. Eating is necessary for humans to function in their bodies and minds. But this eating habit can sometimes be life-threatening. An eating disorder is a psychiatric disorder defined by eating behaviors that can affect humans negatively.

Simply put, it is unhealthy eating behavior. It includes eating too much or too little and worrying about body shape and weight. Around 10% of the global population experiences eating disorders during their lifetime. It is more common in women than in men. Especially women between the ages of 12 and 35 are affected by it. But it can occur at any age and affect any gender. Though eating disorders might sound normal, they can seriously affect a person's physical, mental, and social functions.  

Cause:

Like most mental disorders, psychologists couldn’t find the exact cause of the eating disorder. But it is considered to be the result of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Sometimes, if a family member has a history of having an eating disorder, it is possible for other family members to experience it too. Personality traits like perfectionism, low self-esteem, and a distorted body image can also lead to an eating disorder. Trauma from the past or the present can also result in eating disorders. The environment plays an important role in it. An eating problem can often be influenced by family or social beliefs, social media criticism, culture, etc. 

Symptoms:

It is not always easy to identify if someone has an eating disorder. There are some physical and behavioral symptoms of an eating disorder, including:

a. Physical Symptoms: 

Food is the driving force of the human brain and body. Severe constipation, fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, disturbed menstrual cycle, and muscle weakness are the most common symptoms of a person suffering from an eating disorder.

 b. Emotional or Behavioral Symptoms:

Behavior like extreme mood swings, low self-esteem, intense fear of gaining weight, checking the mirror often, and skipping meals may indicate an individual is struggling with an eating disorder.

Distorted body image, social withdrawal, binge eating, excessive exercise, and purging are also some common symptoms of an eating disorder.

Types of Eating Disorders: There are several forms of eating disorders, including:

Binge Eating Disorder: People with binge eating disorders eat an excessive amount of food in a short period of time. Despite feeling out of control and helpless about their desire to eat, they are still unable to restrain themselves. Several health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, can result from it.

Anorexia Narvosa: It is one of the most common eating disorders. People with anorexia usually restrict their food intake. The most common anorexia symptoms are extreme anxiety over gaining weight and a distorted view of one's body. Other signs include anemia, constipation, abdominal pain, etc. It can result in serious medical consequences and be life-threatening. If it’s not treated, then it can cause serious illnesses such as bone problems, heart problems, and even death.

Bulimia Nervosa: It is similar to binge eating disorder. After consuming excessive amounts of food, people with bulimia feel guilty and ashamed of themselves. They try to compensate through purging behaviors like intentional vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise, etc. It can cause various health problems like sore throat, dehydration, etc.