Symptoms, causes and problems of Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is a preoccupation   with how the body looks  , distorted eating and weight loss behaviours. Eating disorders  include binge eating disorder (BED), compulsive overeating, anorexia nervosa (low weight) and bulimia nervosa (often with normal weight) . A common view   of eating disorders is that they only affect young women, but men suffer with them too. In the UK, eating disorders affect 3 in every 1000 men  and 24 in every 1000 females  (NICE).

Problems with food begin  when it is used to cope  with difficult emotions and situations. A person with an eating disorder might think it is a good way to have control over their life , but overtime the eating disorder itself takes control . The symptoms of eating disorders include  guilt, isolation, serious physical problems, anxiety, depression, distorted eating,  , and distorted weight loss. People with eating disorders often try  not to show their eating and weight loss behaviours to others.   

The causes of eating disorders are believed to include bereavement, disturbed body image, emotional abuse, family relationships, oral fixation, self-esteem issues, sexual abuse  and stress. The social pressure to be thin is often thought to be to blame , but the causes are usually more complex. If you are concerned about a problem do not diagnose yourself. Always consult your GP or a therapist who is qualified to both diagnose the issue and help you work through it. If you are in London this might a useful link for you if you feel you need help: London Eating Disorder Psychologists.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It is characterised by low weight, and a preoccupation with body image, distorted eating and weight loss behaviours. Other eating disorders include bulimia nervosa (often with normal weight), binge eating disorder (BED), and compulsive overeating. Anorexia nervosa usually starts to develop during teenage years or in young adulthood. In the UK, anorexia affects 1 in every 2000  men   and 1 in every 250 women   (NHS).

The symptoms of anorexia include isolation, serious physical problems, anxiety, distorted eating, guilt   and distorted weight loss. People with anorexia have an anxiety about being overweight. They want their weight to be a lot   less than the average for their age and height. Dislike of one’s own body  can be a powerful driver . It can cause men and women to pursue activities which produce low weight, such as vomiting, taking laxatives and over-exercising.
 
The causes of anorexia nervosa are believed to include being overweight in the past, bereavement, depression, disturbed body image, emotional abuse, family relationships, a family history of eating disorders, oral fixation, perfectionism, self-esteem issues, sexual abuse , and stress. If you are concerned about a problem do not diagnose yourself. Always consult your GP or a therapist who is qualified to both diagnose the issue and help you work through it. If you are in London this might a useful link for you if you feel you need help: Eating Disorder Counselling London.