What Everyone Ought To Know About Eating Disorders

Eating disorders come in many shapes and forms. If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, then you know how it can affect your wellbeing.

You can't overcome eating disorders in one night, but they can be treated if you approach the problem correctly. To help you identify your specific type of eating disorder and how to overcome it, learn more by reading below.

What Is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a serious condition related to long-term eating behaviors that negatively impact your health. Most eating disorders involve you focusing too much on your body shape and weight, leading to dangerous eating habits.

The heart, digestive system, teeth, bones -- eating disorders can lead to diseases that harm all these.

What Are the Types of Eating Disorders?

Anorexia Nervosa

The most well-known eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, causes people to view themselves as overweight; however, the truth is that the person may be underweight.

People with anorexia nervosa often watch their weight, avoid eating specific types of foods, and significantly restrict their calories -- all in hopes of losing weight.

Bulimia Nervosa

Another well-known eating disorder is bulimia nervosa. As with anorexia, bulimia develops during early adulthood and is more prevalent in women than men.

You can think of bulimia nervosa as the opposite of anorexia nervosa; people with bulimia eat large amounts of food in a short period. Each binge eating session continues until the person becomes painfully full and cannot physically eat anymore.

Pica

Pica, unlike anorexia and bulimia nervosa, involves eating non-food items. Pica is another eating disorder that involves eating things that are not considered food.

People who suffer from pica tend to crave non-food substances like dirt, soil, chalk, soap, paper, pebbles, and the like.

Although pica can occur in adults and children, it is most commonly seen in pregnant women, children, and people with mental disabilities.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

No one knows the exact cause of eating disorders. But as with other mental illnesses, eating disorders may be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

• Genetics & Biology. Certain individuals may have genes that increase their risk of suffering from eating disorders.

• Psychological & Emotional Health. Individuals with eating disorders may have emotional and psychological issues contributing to the disorder; they may have impulsive behavior, troubled relationships, perfectionism, or low self-esteem.

Final Thoughts

If you suspect you have an eating disorder or know you have an eating disorder but don't know how to stop, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional such as an OB-GYN at once.

In the Tri-cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland), Richard Lorenzo, DO, and female provider Kortney Jones, ARNP of Complete Healthcare for Women will be able to develop the right treatment plan for your specific disorder.

Remember that the sooner you ask for help, the better. So, contact Complete Healthcare for Women today. (509) 392-6700.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020, October). Eating Disorders. ACOG. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/eating-disorders

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, February 22). Eating disorders - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603

Petre, A. (2019, October 30). 6 Common Types of Eating Disorders (and Their Symptoms). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders

Complete Healthcare for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology

(509) 392-6700

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones ARNP

Author

Richard Lorenzo, DO Dr. Lorenzo is also a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He provides gynecological and obstetric services, including prenatal care, pregnancy care, infertility, and gynecology. Dr. Lorenzo is proficient in advanced surgical techniques, including minimally-invasive procedures, as well as surgery for abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and hysterectomy. He has specialized training in high-risk obstetrics and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including minimally invasive hysterectomy.