An eating disorder is a condition related to persistent eating behaviours that have a negative impact on one’s health, emotions and ability to function in important aspects of life. Eating disorders affect how you perceive weight, body shape, and food. This may result in malnutrition and damage to your organs.
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where people have an intense fear of gaining or losing weight. Patients significantly reduce their intake of food and can be devious about controlling their weight and shape, which often interferes with their health and life activities.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder where one has episodes of purging and bingeing that involves feeling a lack of control over eating habits. People suffering bulimia alternate between restricting food intake, binging and purging. During the episodes, one can eat large portions of food in a short period of time which is often followed by purging behaviour. Patients can also inappropriately use laxatives or exercise excessively.
Binge-eating disorder
Binge-eating disorder is when one regularly eats too much food and has a lack of control over their eating habits. One may eat quickly or eat more food than intended, even when not hungry.
Having an organised and planned approach to your eating disorder may help you manage symptoms, return to a healthy weight and maintain your physical and mental health.
What are the possible treatment options?
Treatment for eating disorders varies according to your particular disorder and symptoms. Treatment may include a combination of therapies, nutrition education, medical monitoring and medication. For a proper and clear diagnosis, one needs to address other health problems caused by eating disorders too, as these may be life-threatening if left untreated for a long period of time. A multidisciplinary team approach will often involve a dietician, clinical psychologist and will be inclusive of the family.
