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anorexia binge purge subtype

Anorexia Binge-Purge Subtype: Understanding the Dangers and Treatment Options

In the vast spectrum of eating disorders, the anorexia binge-purge subtype stands out as a complex and ever-evolving challenge. This distinctive subcategory of anorexia nervosa encapsulates the perplexing pattern of restrictive eating coupled with recurrent episodes of binge eating and subsequent compensatory behaviors.

Delving into the intricacies of this subtype sheds light on the unique struggles individuals face, offering insight into the complexities of their experiences. In this article, we navigate the intricate of the anorexia binge-purge subtype, striving to deepen our understanding and foster compassion for those affected by this enigmatic and most common eating disorder yet.

Definition of Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype

The Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype is a specific manifestation of anorexia nervosa, a complex eating disorder. This subtype is characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging behaviors.

People experiencing this condition partake in episodes of consuming a substantial quantity of food within a brief timeframe (binging), followed by efforts to prevent weight gain through self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or rigorous exercise (purging).

Despite these binge-purge cycles, the predominant feature of common eating disorders remains a relentless pursuit of thinness, accompanied by a profound fear of weight gain and a distorted body image, which are hallmark characteristics of anorexia nervosa. This condition differentiates itself from Bulimia Nervosa by the significantly low body weight of the individuals suffering from it.

Signs of Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype

Anorexia nervosa binge Binge/Purge Subtype, a distinct form of anorexia nervosa, exhibits specific symptoms and signs that differentiate it from other eating disorders. Identifying these symptoms is essential for prompt intervention and the implementation of effective treatment.

  1. Significantly Low Body Weight: Individuals with this subtype maintain a body weight significantly lower than what is minimally expected for their age and height, often resulting from extreme dietary restrictions.
  2. Binge Eating Episodes: Despite having a low body weight, individuals repeatedly involve themselves in episodes of binge eating, during which they rapidly consume a substantial amount of food.
  3. Purging Behaviors: They engage in purging behaviors following binge eating to avoid weight gain. This includes self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, and excessive exercise.
  4. Intense Fear of Gaining Weight: Despite having a lower weight than considered healthy, there exists a profound fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, which profoundly affects their eating habits and self-perception.
  5. Distorted Body Image: People frequently experience a distorted perception of their body shape and size, resulting in an unyielding pursuit of thinness and an inability to acknowledge the seriousness of their low body weight.
  6. Physical Health Complications: The disorder can lead to various medical complications, including low blood pressure, heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, and electrolyte imbalances due to the combination of malnutrition and purging behaviors.
  7. Psychological and Behavioral Signs: Alongside physical symptoms, there are psychological signs such as depression, anxiety, and preoccupation with food, calories, and dieting. Behavioral changes may include avoiding meals, excessive use of diet pills, and denial of hunger.

The Cycle of Binging and Purging: Behavioral Patterns in Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype

binge eating purging

The cycle of binging and purging in the Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype is a defining and often destructive behavioral pattern. This cycle not only impacts physical and mental health professionals but also perpetuates the psychological struggles of those affected.

  1. Initiation of the Cycle: The cycle frequently initiates with restrictive eating practices driven by a strong fear of weight gain and a distorted body image. This restriction can instigate a physiological and psychological urge to engage in binge eating.
  2. Binge Eating Episodes: During a binge episode, individuals quickly consume a large amount of food. These episodes are usually characterized by a feeling of loss of control over eating and are often carried out in secret.
  3. Purging to Regain Control: Following a binge, individuals engage in purging behaviors to compensate for the caloric intake and alleviate the guilt associated with binging. Common purging methods include self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives and diuretics, or engaging in excessive exercise.
  4. The Role of Guilt and Shame: Feelings of guilt, shame, and self-disgust often follow binging episodes, reinforcing the purging behavior. This emotional turmoil is a significant factor that perpetuates the binge-purge cycle.
  5. Physical and Psychological Consequences: The cycle leads to severe physical health issues, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and dental issues. Psychologically, it maintains the individual’s distorted self-perception and exacerbates feelings of anxiety and depression.
  6. Patterns of Secrecy and Isolation: Individuals with this subtype tend to be secretive about their eating habits, leading to social withdrawal and isolation, which further entrenches the disorder.
  7. Challenges in Breaking the Cycle: Breaking this cycle is challenging due to its complex psychological underpinnings and the physical addiction-like nature of the behavior. Treatment often requires a multifaceted approach, including medical, psychological, and nutritional interventions.

Psychological Factors Contributing to Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype

Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype is not only a physical condition but also a mental disorder deeply rooted in psychological factors. Understanding these contributing psychological elements is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.

  1. Body Image Distortion: A fundamental psychological factor is the distorted perception of one’s body. Individuals with this disorder often see themselves as overweight, regardless of their actual body weight, leading to an obsessive desire to lose weight.
  2. Control and Perfectionism: Many individuals with this subtype need control and perfectionism in their eating habits and various aspects of their lives. This need for control is often expressed through strict regulation of food intake and purging behaviors.
  3. Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Issues with self-esteem and self-worth are common. The disorder can be a way to cope with or exert control over feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
  4. Emotional Regulation Difficulties: The binge/purge cycle is often a maladaptive way to manage and regulate emotions. Individuals may turn to this behavior to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional distress.
  5. Trauma and Abuse History: A history of trauma, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, can be a significant contributing factor. Such experiences can lead to distorted body image, low self-esteem, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
  6. Social and Cultural Influences: Societal pressures and cultural standards of beauty and thinness can exacerbate the disorder. Exposure to media glorifying certain body types and the stigma around weight can fuel body dissatisfaction.
  7. Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: Often, this subtype coexists with other mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can compound the eating disorder behaviors.

Physical Health Consequences of Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype

The Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype, a complex eating disorder, has profound physical health consequences. These effects stem from the cyclical nature of restrictive eating, binging, and purging, leading to various systemic and behavioral health issues.

  1. Nutritional Deficiencies: Restrictive eating patterns lead to significant nutritional deficiencies, impacting overall health. Lack of essential nutrients can result in anemia, weakened immune function, and vitamin deficiencies.
  2. Gastrointestinal Problems: Regular binging and purging can cause severe gastrointestinal issues. This includes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and, in severe cases, potential rupture of the stomach or esophagus.
  3. Dental and Oral Health Issues: Frequent vomiting associated with purging behaviors causes acid erosion of tooth enamel, leading to dental cavities, tooth sensitivity, and gum disease. It also contributes to chronic sore throat and swollen salivary glands.
  4. Electrolyte Imbalance and Dehydration: Purging often leads to electrolyte imbalances, particularly low levels of potassium, sodium, and chloride, which can cause muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heart rhythms, and, in severe cases, heart failure.
  5. Osteoporosis and Bone Health: The disorder can lead to decreased bone density (osteoporosis), increasing the risk of fractures. This is due to inadequate calcium intake and hormonal changes related to malnutrition.
  6. Cardiovascular Complications: Malnutrition and purging can strain the heart, leading to low blood pressure, heart palpitations, and, in extreme cases, heart failure.
  7. Psychological Impact on Physical Health: The psychological stress associated with this eating disorder can exacerbate physical health problems, creating a complex interplay between mental and physical well-being.

Treatment Approaches for Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype

mental disorders

Treating the anorexia associated with binge eating purging involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of the disorder. Due to its complex nature, a multifaceted treatment plan is essential for effective recovery in treating eating disorders.

  1. Psychological Therapy: Central to treatment is psychological therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors related to eating, body image, and self-esteem.
  2. Nutritional Rehabilitation: Working with a dietitian or nutritionist is crucial for establishing healthy eating patterns. Nutritional counseling aims to restore weight to healthy levels, correct nutritional deficiencies, and develop a balanced relationship with food.
  3. Medication Management: While there are no specific medications for anorexia, certain medications, such as antidepressants, can help manage co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
  4. Medical Supervision: Regular medical monitoring is necessary to address physical health concerns, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, and heart problems. This may involve hospitalization in severe cases.
  5. Family-Based Therapy: Involving family members, especially for younger patients, can be beneficial. Family-based therapy focuses on supporting the patient within the family unit, improving communication, and addressing family dynamics that may influence the disorder.
  6. Support Groups and Peer Support: Joining support groups or engaging with peer support networks can provide additional emotional support and a sense of community, helping individuals feel less isolated in their experience.
  7. Long-term Follow-up and Relapse Prevention: Ongoing therapy and monitoring are necessary to prevent relapse. Developing coping strategies for stress management and regular check-ups with healthcare providers are key components of long-term care.

Coping Strategies and Support Systems for Managing Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype

Effective coping strategies and robust support systems are fundamental in managing the Anorexia Binge/Purge Subtype. These tools not only aid in dealing with the day-to-day challenges of the disorder but also provide a foundation for long-term recovery and mental well-being.

  1. Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Learning and practicing healthy coping strategies for stress and emotional distress is crucial. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and journaling can help individuals process their emotions without resorting to harmful binge/purge behaviors.
  2. Building a Supportive Network: Establishing a strong support network, including family, friends, and healthcare professionals, provides a safety net for individuals. Open communication about struggles and achievements with loved ones can foster understanding and encouragement.
  3. Participation in Therapy and Support Groups: Engaging in regular therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and support groups can offer valuable guidance and a sense of community. Sharing experiences with others who have similar struggles can reduce feelings of isolation.
  4. Nutritional Education and Support: Working with nutritionists or dietitians to understand the importance of balanced nutrition and to develop healthy eating habits is essential. This education helps in rebuilding a positive relationship with food.
  5. Physical Activity as a Positive Outlet: Engaging in gentle, non-compulsive physical activities like yoga or walking can improve mood and overall well-being. Focusing on activities that bring joy rather than those driven by calorie-burning or weight-loss goals is important.
  6. Setting Realistic Goals and Celebrating Progress: Setting achievable goals in recovery and recognizing each step of progress can boost self-esteem and motivation. Celebrating small victories is key to maintaining a positive outlook during the recovery journey.
  7. Seeking Professional Help When Needed: Recognizing the signs of relapse and seeking professional help promptly is critical. Regular check-ins with mental health professionals ensure ongoing support and intervention when necessary.

In conclusion, the binge-purge subtype of anorexia nervosa represents a disorder characterized by alternating periods of excessive food intake followed by attempts to rid the body of calories. This subtype often stems from an intense fear of weight loss or gain and body image distortion. Treatment options such as psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medication can effectively address the physical and psychological aspects of this condition. Understanding the complexities and impact of the anorexia binge-purge subtype is crucial to providing proper support and care for individuals affected by this disorder.

References

The impact of binge eating disorder and disorders on bone metabolism

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21063567/

Eating Disorders

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders

Anorexia Nervosa Subtypes: A Comprehensive Guide

https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/blog/anorexia-subtypes

Anorexia Nervosa

https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/types/anorexia-nervosa/

athletes and eating disorders

Eating Disorders In Athletes: Are Women More Prone?

Becoming an athlete is a great choice to build a person’s self-esteem, promote physical health, and increase social relationships. However, do you know that there is a dark side to being an athlete? This article will discuss how various competitions and activities could lead to eating disorders in athletes.

The occurrence of Eating Disorder in Athletes

When we talk about athleticism, we often emphasize the physical aspect of it. From having an exceptional body tone to maintaining an ideal weight, there is nothing else that we can imagine of how an athlete looks like.

kinds of eating concerns

However, being an athlete also has its downside. Other than staying in tip-top shape, an athlete must also struggle with other factors. To make it more specific, an athlete focuses on winning the competition. The mindset of winning during competitive athletic competitions can create a severe problem.

The pressures to become a winner can take a toll not only on the athlete’s physical health but also on their psychological condition. Athletes will develop a habit of keeping up with their competitors and zone out on social standards.

Eating Disorders in Athletes: Gender Distribution

Eating disorders are common among women. In several studies, female athletes tend to show more consciousness about their body image than male athletes. Some women athletes develop an unhealthy obsession with diet, food, and weight. This habit leads to common eating disorders such as:

Anorexia Nervosa

A person with this eating disorder has an excessive fear of gaining weight. They follow a severe calorie restriction on their diet, which causes extreme thinness. They find a distorted body image to be ideal than the normal one.

Bulimia Nervosa

A bulimic athlete has a habit of eating excessive and large amounts of food for a time but will eventually follow it with purging. Purging includes self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives, and other ways to get the food out of their body.

Binge-eating Disorder

A binge-eating disorder becomes common to athletes when they find themselves in stressful situations. They lose control over their eating habits and eat large amounts of food. A feeling of extreme guilt often follows this habit.

What is the Female Athlete Triad?

women athlete eating concerns

The female athlete triad includes amenorrhea, osteoporosis, and eating disorders. Women athletes who happen to have eating disorders tend to lack nutritional value. When a woman takes in less than the recommended daily nutrition intake, she is prone to develop an imbalance of hormones. This hormonal imbalance leads to an abnormality in her menstrual cycle.

The female athlete may have frequent periods or a complete cessation of her menstruation, also known as amenorrhea. If a person has an irregular menstrual cycle, it can significantly lower calcium levels and bone loss. This condition will put the female athlete at a greater risk of having stress fractures.

Conditions that relate to the female athlete triad are a severe medical concern. These conditions can lead to life-threatening risks that are difficult to treat.

Who Can Have the Female Athlete Triad?

Even though all female athletes can develop this triad, adolescent women are at the most risk. Teenage girls are more prone to experience this condition because they still have active biological development and experience rapid body growth. Women in their adolescent years tend to deal with social acceptance, peer pressure, and other lifestyle concerns that may affect their diet and overall health.  

Coping with Eating Disorders

The key to coping with an eating disorder lies within self-love and acceptance. If you experience these eating disorders or happen to know someone who has one, it is essential to know your value regardless of your physical appearance. Here are some tips that you can help prevent eating disorders in athletes:

dealing with eating disorders
  • Encourage healthy techniques that can help improve their performance.
  • Work on balancing physical strength and building the right mental attitude.
  • Look for a coach that could provide you with a positive influence on your body and appearance.
  • Have enough motivation and enthusiasm that could shield you against peer pressure and stress.
  • Develop an ideal plan that focuses on health and fitness.
  • Understanding the way how your body works. Learn the metabolism process and natural ways that could help you maintain your weight.
  • Talk to a mental health provider in case of mental health concerns.

Sources

(How Eating Disorders Develop in Athletes., November 2020).
https://www.verywellfit.com/eating-disorders-in-athletes-3119164

(The struggle is real: Life of an athlete., August 2017).
https://www.dailycal.org/2017/08/31/struggles-of-being-an-athlete/

(Why do athletes struggle with eating disorders?, November 2018).
https://www.magnolia-creek.com/eating-disorder-recovery-blog/why-do-athletes-struggle-with-eating-disorders/

college students eating habits

Dealing With Eating Disorders In College Students

In early adulthood years, the weight-obsessed culture can be quite tricky. Eating disorders in college students are mostly caused by the impression that skinny bodies are ideal. This concept of not belonging to the existing norms can lead to feeling inadequate and eventually distort their bodies’ perception. The main types of eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia and have been increasing in recent years.

Body Image, Eating Disorders, and Mental Health

Eating disorder is a mental health concern, and the increasing number of people who continue to experience it can be alarming. Multiple behaviours that we can associate with eating disorders can potentially endanger one’s physical health and psychological well-being. Persistent thoughts of having a negative body image can lead some to believe that they should feel awkward, ashamed, and embarrassed about themselves. For some, they continue to convince themselves that they are not attractive and will never be. 

Through their eating habits, they manipulate and condition themselves to impart a distorted form of positive reinforcement. Thus, it is necessary for anyone who lives with an eating disorder to receive care from medical professionals. 

A multi-disciplinary team consisting of a dietician, a therapist, a medical doctor, and a prescriber working all together can provide you with the best support. Since an eating disorder is a complex mental health condition, particular interventions can help you stabilise both psychological and medical aspects.

Different Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a form of an eating disorder that can be life-threatening. When one has anorexia nervosa, they manifest an exceedingly low body mass index with intense fears of gaining weight. They have a distorted perception of a healthy body image in which they feel the need to suppress their appetite. College students who have this eating disorder limit their food intake often at an alarming level. However, there are also some cases in anorexia nervosa wherein one will eat normally but eventually experience the urge to induce vomiting and purging after meals. Others also take laxatives and supplements or perform intense exercises in a conscious attempt to lose what they see as excess weight.

Bulimia Nervosa  

teen with eating concerns

A person experiencing bulimia nervosa has the habit of binge eating and purging afterwards. Unlike anorexia, bulimia nervosa involves consuming tremendous amounts of food over a short period. After some time, they secretly go through an episode of getting rid of the food they eat by purging.

Some popular purging methods done by college students involve sticking their fingers on their throat to induce vomiting, excessively exercising, or the use of laxatives.  

Overeating and Binge Eating

Not all eating disorders are about losing weight. In recent studies, the most common eating disorders in college students involve tending to overeat, and binge eat. Individuals who experience excessive eating have the compulsion to devour everything and lose their sense of control over their consumption. College students are prone to this disorder for several reasons, including academic stress, growing pains, and negative emotions. They find comfort in indulging themselves with abnormally abundant amounts of food with the likelihood of being insatiable.

Even though overeating and binge eating fall into the same category, a small detail differentiates one from the other. We can characterise binge eating disorder by noticing episodes where one eats without control that could last at least once a week for over three months. On the other side, overeating is much less extreme and occurs less frequently. Regardless of their differences in frequency and duration, both can still cause adverse effects on an individual’s health.

While it is customary to enjoy food, particularly on special occasions, eating more than the usual can become problematic if done frequently. Excessive eating leads to unwanted weight and obesity, which can cause serious health issues if not addressed immediately.

Other Types of Eating Disorders

Aside from the above, more types of eating disorders still need recognition from various medical and mental health organisations. College students are more likely to experience some of these conditions, including the following:

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified and Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (EDNOS and OSFED) – these conditions involve individuals with distressing issues and symptoms around food who still don’t fit into a specific eating disorder.

  • Orthorexia- an unhealthy obsession for eating healthy and being particularly fixated with food quality.
  • Muscle Dysmorphia- this condition most commonly affects males who have obsessive behaviour towards muscle building and extreme diets. Bigorexia is a more popular term for this condition.  
  • Diabulimia- college students who have type 1 diabetes withhold insulin and inject less than what is in their prescription to lose weight quickly.

Helping Students with Eating Disorders

Looking at eating disorders other than being a mental health condition is essential. With the high demands and pressures of college life, many factors can add up and contribute to these concerns’ development.

treatment for eating disorders

At this point, colleges should be well-trained and equipped to address and handle the increasing concern for eating disorders adequately. During their time at the university, students must be able to rely on counsellors as they are the only support system available at the campus. However, going to counselling centres can become a matter of embarrassment, which plays a significant role in identifying students’ struggles.

Aside from eliminating various factors that might cause trouble to students’ well-being, college campuses must be the avenue that will help put an end to mental health’s social norms.

Various organisations continue to find ways that will encourage everyone to seek mental help and counselling as needed. Making a positive shift to students’ mental outlook will not only change the way they see themselves but also help with their emotional struggles.

If the university cannot find a good counselling programme for its students for some reasons, reaching out to other local organisations and resources is necessary. With enough attention and treatment, we can help students be on their way towards a healthy mental and physical healing.

Sources

(Eating Disorders: Ending Unhealthy Standards of Beauty., April 2016).
https://medcenterblog.uvmhealth.org/mens-health/eating-disorders-ending-unhealthy-standards-of-beauty/

(What Are Eating Disorders?, January 2017).
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders

(Purging Disorder: What Is It?, February 2019).
https://www.healthline.com/health/eating-disorders/purging-disorder

(Binge-eating disorder, May 2018).
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353627

eating disorder hotline

How Important is an Eating Disorder Hotline?

Have you felt guilty after eating a lot and binge-eating after a bad day? We sometimes have that urge; we fill our tummies with food when we feel down and disappointed. When it’s an occasional scenario, it can pass as a normal coping mechanism. However, if the binge-eating becomes a habit and it affects your overall health, relationships, and outlook in life, maybe you would want to consider counseling or professional help. There are also those who, instead of eating a lot, would not eat anything because of their fear of gaining weight. What’s worse is that they would stop eating because they want to punish themselves for something that they have done in the past, making this eating disorder a form of repentance or penance for them. And believe me when I say that the number of people who feel this way is continuously increasing.

In fact, the eating disorders statistics show that at least 9% of the world’s population is suffering from a kind of eating disorder. If anything, mental health problems cannot be resolved alone. Having someone to talk to can ease your mind and help you widen your perspective, so knowing if there is an eating disorder hotline available to assist you anytime you need help surely makes a difference.

Eating Disorders: A Brief Background

A person’s weight and physical appearance have been considered factors when establishing one’s mental health, self-esteem, and confidence. If you are on the heavier side, and you notice several flaws in your shape and curves, this may affect how you eat. Some would stay on the constructive side and change their diets to healthy ones, following exercise routines that help shape and strengthen their bodies. Meanwhile, those who succumb to the disappointment that they feel about their bodies would resort to habits that further damage their health, and one of them is eating disorders. Eating disorders can be on either poles or extremes – eating too much or not eating at all.

Bulimia nervosa. This is characterized by eating more than your average amount, then forcing yourself to vomit, take laxatives, or work out excessively to burn the excess calories you got from binge-eating.

Anorexia nervosa. This is the other extreme where you are almost afraid to eat because you feel that even a small amount of food would lead you to gain weight.

eating-disorder-types

Another form of the eating disorder is brought about by the fear of being allergic to particular types of food. This is called the Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

If you feel that you have certain inclinations as to feeling these symptoms or urges, finding someone to talk to who wouldn’t judge you and would only listen somehow helps you have realizations and clarity.

Eating Disorder Hotline: Can It Really Help?

There are so many non-profit organizations that sincerely want to help people with their mental health, including their eating disorders. One of them is the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), an American pioneered group that helps prevent, provide treatment, educate, and advocate against eating disorders. They sponsor National Eating Disorders Week every year, and many who participate in this cause aim to raise social awareness of a health problem that can eventually affect one’s mental health. NEDAwareness Week, as it is internationally called, has an open invitation to volunteer professionals, medical practitioners, advisors, and counselors who would want to extend their helping hand in educating and treating patients who are suffering from this disorder. This occasion is not limited to diagnosed patients; even those who feel that they are on the brink of having eating or mental health problems are welcome to join.

Having a social support system that you can trust and rely on during a dark stage in your life is a huge help and a great stepping stone towards your healing and self-actualization. Knowing an eating disorder hotline that is available to you anytime and anywhere you are is a relief for a person who is always in a constant battle with his demons.

binge-eating-disorder

Not many people will regard eating disorders as a life-threatening condition. But if you think deeply about it, anything that negatively affects your mental health can inadvertently affect how you look at life. Your will to live and your perspective about the beauty of life becomes tainted with sadness, disappointments, and regrets. Not having someone to talk to makes you feel isolated and unwanted. With all these ‘demons’ wrapping your mind, depression develops.

Unfortunately, those who succumb to the grave symptoms of depression take their own lives with the feeling that there is nothing left to live for. And this is where support groups, help hotlines, and counselors enter the picture. If you, a family member, or someone you know is suffering from any form of eating disorder, allow them and yourself to know that there are so many eating disorder hotlines available for them and that they are not alone in this battle.

Eating disorders are not unsolvable problems. All you need is dedication, the will to correct your mindset, and the ability to push towards your goal into having worthwhile and clear mental health.

what is the most common eating disorder in both males and females

What is the most common eating disorder in both males and females?

Everywhere you go, issues about weight and nutrition are becoming more and more prevalent. Obesity has been part of any country’s medical concerns and we can blame so many reasons and causes for this. So let us answer, what is the most common eating disorder in both males and females? What can we do to lessen these eating disorders? For more information, visit the Drhomedoctorsperth webpage and secure an appointment online for guidance and advice.

What is an eating disorder?

The meaning is just that, a disorder concerning your eating habits. Having an irregular and unhealthy way of eating and looking at your body that causes anxiety, panic attacks, and other metabolic problems are ways to describe what eating disorders are like. It can be insufficient or excessive intake of food that can damage a person’s well-being and outlook in life. Visit a medical clinic like Sirius Health Chatswood to get checked immediately.

What is the most common eating disorder in both males and females?

Before we answer that interesting question, let us find out the common eating disorders that everyone may have.

Kinds of eating disorders

eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa. This eating disorder is what other female Hollywood celebrities often have. This disorder is characterized by the fear of gaining weight, so much so that they would refuse to eat anything. Because they are afraid that they can gain weight by eating something, they have to tendency to refuse eating anything at all. Some may hide the disorder by being a very picky eater who only consumes a fraction of what he or she should eat in a day to keep him healthy. Not getting the correct amount of nutrients could be detrimental to a man’s health, and could trigger an illness that can affect any part of the body. Severe malnutrition can lead to brain damage, organ failure, heart problems, and ultimately, death.

Bulimia nervosa. This is a bit contradictory to anorexia nervosa. This disorder happens when a man or woman who is severely conscious of his or her body consumes an excessive amount of food and suddenly feels guilty about it. Because of the guilt and the mental struggle that he has, he will try to remove the food from his system by doing abnormal purging behaviors like forced vomiting, excessive exercise, and even using laxatives and diuretics to flush all food out. This can lead to a lot of gastrointestinal and dental problems since the acids in the stomach can damage the lining of the esophagus and teeth when forcefully allowing one’s self to vomit frequently. He or she can also have dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, and the emotional struggle one may have can affect a person’s mental stability.

Binge eating disorder. This is much like Bulimia but without the purging. People who feel depressed or saddened by their weight and body shape would resolve into eating excessively and allowing themselves to gain weight. They let go of their logical reins and just indulge in whatever food they would want to eat, but still, feel guilty about it. Patients with binge-eating disorders can end up suffering from obesity, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and metabolic problems.

What is the most common eating disorder in both males and females?

The answer to this question is difficult to get a conclusion of. But based on the statistics and the number of patients presenting these disorders, binge eating disorder may be the most common eating disorder. This is based on the growing population of obese and depressed patients noting their dissatisfaction with their weight and body shape.