Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Mental health can also affect our lives, and one of the issues affecting Mental health is the Eating disorder. A person with irregular eating habits that harm their physical or mental health is said to have an eating disorder.
There are types of eating disorders:
- Anorexia Nervosa.
- Binge Eating Disorder.
- Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)
- Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- Rumination Disorder.
- Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)
Binge eating disorder is one of the common indicators or symptoms of an eating disorder.
A person with a binge-eating disorder loses control over their eating and experiences recurrent episodes of overeating. Binge eating episodes are not followed by purging, strenuous exercise, or fasting, unlike bulimia nervosa. People with binge eating disorders are frequently overweight or obese as a result. The most prevalent eating disorder in the United States is binge-eating disorder.
These signs include:
- Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, such as 2 hours
- Eating even when full or not hungry
- Eating fast during binge episodes
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment
- Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about eating
- Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss
Risk elements
People of all ages, racial/ethnic backgrounds, body weights, and genders can develop eating problems. Eating disorders often arise throughout adolescence or early adulthood but can also appear earlier or later in life.
Researchers are discovering that a complex interplay of genetic, biochemical, behavioral, psychological, and social factors contributes to the development of eating disorders. Researchers are using modern science and technology to understand eating disorders better.
Researching human genes is one strategy. Eating disorders are hereditary. In order to reduce the risk of developing eating problems, researchers are trying to find DNA variants.
Cures and Treatments
Early treatment for eating problems is critical. Eating disorder sufferers are more likely to commit suicide and have serious health issues. Other mental illnesses (such as depression or anxiety) or substance use issues are frequently present in people with eating disorders. It is possible to heal fully. Do not hesitate to counsel and ask for treatment.
- A mental health professional, such as a psychologist, to provide psychological therapy. If you need medication prescription and management, you may see a psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists also provide psychological therapy.
- A registered dietitian to provide education on nutrition and meal planning.
- Medical or dental specialists to treat health or dental problems that result from your eating disorder.
- Your partner, parents or other family members. For young people still living at home, parents should be actively involved in treatment and may supervise meals.
References:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/in-depth/eating-disorder-treatment/art-20046234