Eating disorders can be painful, life-threatening conditions. But what exactly are they and how can they be treated? Read on to find out.

Eating disorders are a group of psychological conditions that manifest themselves as an overbearing preoccupation with food and one’s physical appearance or weight. What typically begins as a range of unhealthy thoughts, behaviors, and habits can quickly turn into a complex and potentially life-threatening illness. Around 9% of the American population, or 28.8 million citizens, will experience an eating disorder in their lifetimes, with approximately 10,200 deaths recorded each year as a direct result of this illness. 

The course of treatment depends on the medical condition of the patient and the type of eating disorder they have. It may include a combination of therapies, such as:

• Medication: Doctors may prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers, such as Prozac, to help combat the anxiety-inducing aspect of the illness.

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT for short, is often used to help reduce obsessive behaviors about food and stabilize eating patterns.

• Nutritional counseling: Regular meetings with a dietitian can also help patients learn about healthy eating habits and get back to a suitable weight in a sustainable way.

What causes eating disorders?

Many factors can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Genetics, emotional health, and cultural pressure are all thought to play a part. Individuals with first-degree relatives, such as a sibling or parent, who suffer from an eating disorder appear to be more at risk of developing one. Poor emotional health, such as relationship difficulties, impulsive behaviors, or perfectionist qualities, is another risk factor. And finally, unrealistic beauty standards reinforced through media images and a societal preference for thinness can also play a role.

Symptoms of an eating disorder

Although some symptoms are tied to specific types of eating disorders, general behavioral signs of these conditions include:

• Concern about eating in public
• Making excuses to avoid meals
• Denial of hunger
• Excessive exercising
• Refusing to eat certain foods
• Ritualistic behavior around food
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat content, or dieting

Physical symptoms may include:

• Lethargy
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Dramatic weight loss
• Trouble sleeping
• Menstrual irregularities
• Dry hair and nails
• Stomach cramps
• Weakened immunity
• Anemia

Types of eating disorders 

While there are many different types of eating disorders, these are the three most common:

1. Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is arguably the most well-known type of eating disorder. Even if the individual is dangerously underweight, they tend to perceive themselves as overweight. Therefore, they tend to adopt restrictive eating habits. In extreme cases, anorexia can lead to the thinning of bones, infertility, organ failure, or even death.

2. Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa shares many similarities with anorexia nervosa, but the largest differentiator is that bulimic patients will typically eat copious amounts of food before purging themselves to make up for the number of calories they ingested. Purging behaviors include forced vomiting, use of laxatives, or excessive exercise. 

Typical symptoms of bulimia nervosa include swollen salivary glands, acid reflux disorder, decaying teeth, and electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

3. Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorders involve a lack of control over eating habits. Patients eat a large amount of food during a short period of time, but unlike those with bulimia nervosa, they don’t compensate for this overconsumption of calories with purging behaviors. Therefore, individuals with binge eating disorders tend to be overweight or obese.

Individuals with binge eating disorder may be at a higher risk of developing adverse health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.

As noted above, these three conditions aren’t the only type of eating disorders, but they are the most common – almost as common as the myths surrounding them.

Debunking common myths about eating disorders

While much has been done to publicize the truth about eating disorders in recent years, there’s still a lot of misinformation and confusion surrounding them. Here are the facts about five persistent eating-disorder myths.

Myth #1: Eating disorders are a lifestyle choice

An eating disorder is not an extreme diet or lifestyle choice. It is a complex mental illness caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Some individuals start adopting restrictive habits as a way of getting healthy and regaining control of their lives. Nevertheless, these habits can quickly spiral into something more serious, such as an eating disorder.

Myth #2: Eating disorders are a phase

Although eating disorders are more prevalent during teenage years, they’re far from simply being a phase. Ignoring the signs of eating disorders or expecting a spontaneous recovery is irresponsible. Instead, you should make a conscious effort to seek help for yourself or a loved one before the disorder causes serious health problems.

Myth #3: Getting better is just a question of healthy eating

Reaching a healthy weight and developing healthy behaviors regarding food is an essential part of the recovery process. However, the patient must also nourish their mental health and focus on recovering psychologically as well as physically.

Myth #4: Only skinny people have eating disorders

Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, and sizes. Contrary to popular belief, eating disorders aren’t exclusive to people who are underweight. This mental illness is all about the distortion of self-perception and involves intrusive thoughts about body weight, so it can affect a wide range of individuals.

Myth #5: Eating disorders are a cry for attention

Sadly, some people blame the victim by insisting that eating disorders are simply a cry for attention or a result of being vain. In reality, individuals with eating disorders will go to great lengths to disguise their appearance and hide their unhealthy eating habits. Similarly, many patients may choose to wear baggy or bulky clothing as they feel unhappy with their appearance.

Debunking these myths is important because eating disorders are serious, possibly life-threatening conditions. Brushing them off as a “phase” or a “cry for attention” isn’t just wrong, it’s dangerous. Especially if it prevents someone with a disorder from getting help.

Getting the help you need

Eating disorders are not a choice. But you can choose to strive towards recovery and opt for a healthier lifestyle. And you won’t have to do so alone. ModRN Health is here to help. We help make recovery more manageable by alleviating some of the financial burden.

If you’re worried about the cost of eating disorder treatments, such as Prozac, our easy-to-use price comparison tool may come in handy. Customers can expect to save up to 80% on the cost of their prescription medications. It’s incredibly simple. All you need to do is sign up for a free account, search for the best deals in your area, download a voucher, and hand it over to your local pharmacist.