Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are one of the key health issues facing young women. It is a complex and chronic medical condition seen in women, which may not be necessarily linked to food consumption or weight gain. It is rather the outer surface or fissure of an underlying physical or psychological problem. Eating disorders involve severe instability in eating behavior, such as extreme and unhealthy reduction of food intake or severe overeating, as well as feelings of distress or extreme concern about body shape or weight.

Eating disorders are not due to any behavioral failure or loss of determination but are an actual, treatable medical condition in which certain irregular patterns of eating, take on a life of their own. Studies have shown that more than ninety percent of those with eating disorders are women. Current statistics in the U.S show that 1-4% of all young women are affected by eating disorders. The main types of eating disorders are:

Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge-Eating Disorder (Which has not yet been approved as a formal psychiatric diagnosis)

Eating disorders tend to have several physical, psychological and social implications, starting from significant weight preoccupation, inappropriate eating behavior, and body image distortion. Clinical studies have found many people with eating disorders experience depression, anxiety, childhood sexual abuse, and may even be at risk for osteoporosis, kidney failure, heart problems and even death in some cases.

Causes
Studies report that genetic factor can be one of the factors behind eating disorders in women. Temperament which is genetically derived is said to have a variable impact on eating disorders. It is seen that women with temperamental traits, such as obsessive & compulsive and sensitive & isolated are more susceptible to eating disorders than others.

A recent research report indicates a biological link between stress or depression and the drive to eat.  – Foods high in sugar, fat, and calories also known as Comfort foods -- seem to calm the body's response to chronic stress. Moreover, hormones produced when one is under stress activate the formation of fat cells.

Further, it has been seen that people with eating disorders have a natural tendency to be perfectionist. They often possess unrealistic expectations of themselves and their body. In such cases, the affected woman in spite of various achievements feels imperfect. In a few cases, eating disorders arise out of relationship problems like loneliness, etc when the patient develops an urge either to starve or stuff themselves.

Symptoms
Women suffering from eating disorder show the initial symptoms of being secretive of their eating habits and feign seclusion from family and friends. They often secretively, starve, undergo excessive dieting and do compulsive exercises under any odds or in alternative cases binge, purge, exercises and store food in odd places. They are always dissatisfied with their body and remain depressed and irritated.

Diagnosis
Women suffering from eating disorders also become prone to a number of related physical problems such as:

• Dry skin and thinning scalp hair
• Growth of lanugo or fine hair on body surface
• Brittle hair and nails
• Parotid gland swelling
• Increased cavities and erosion of tooth enamel
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Cessation of menstruation
• Stomach and intestinal problems
• Chronic kidney problems
• Irritation and tears in the esophagus
• Lightheadedness and dizziness or fainting
• Sensitivity to cold
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Low potassium
• Mortality rate is 5-15%

Preventions
Eating disorders develop during adolescence or early adulthood, but some reports indicate their onset can occur during childhood or later in adulthood. Studies have shown that eating disorders can be tackled in its initial stages right within the family circle. You can save your family from being prone to eating disorders by:

• Maintaining a healthy attitude towards maintaining body fitness rather than fussing about weight and appearances.
• Making children understand their physiology and to love and accept their bodies; by being encouraging and supportive and help to build their self-esteem.
• Protecting the children and help them to cope up with any eventualities of physical and sexual abuse – presumed to be an important cause behind eating disorders.
• Never being critical about body weight either by comparison or by imposing a diet regime.
• Having regular timings for a family meal where all the members share quality time and also develop a sense of emotional bonding.
• Lastly, the elders in the family should take the responsibility of being the trendsetter and be involved in healthy eating patterns.

Treatment
Eating disorders that arise from a combination of prolonged behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors can be treated and a healthy weight restored. There is no unanimously accepted standard treatment for eating disorder till date, though there is an integrated approach to treatment which would include the skills of nutritionists, mental health professionals, endocrinologists and other physicians.

It is most seen that persons with eating disorders do not voluntarily feel the need for treatment. So family and friends need to play an active role for a successful treatment. Eating disorders require a comprehensive treatment plan involving medical care and monitoring, psychosocial interventions, nutritional counseling and medication. Self-esteem development and assertiveness training may prove helpful. Antidepressants and other drugs have been part of some restorative programmes.