Understanding The Different Types Of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are when an individual has a constant battle with their eating habits and their attitude and behaviour towards food which becomes unhealthy abnormal. An eating disorder is an illness within an individuals mind which has a physical unhealthy affect on the individuals body because of there eating habits. The individual with an eating disorder can not understand and separate what others see about there body to what they see about their body. The person's perception of themselves often means there unhealthy eating habits and behaviours become a familiar cycle which is very difficult to break out off.

There are 3 common known eating disorders , which include Anorexia Nervosa , Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating/ Compulsive Overeating. 

Anorexia nervosa is when an individual tries to keep their weight as low as possible by starving themselves and exercising excessively. Whereas ,Bulimia nervosa is when an  individual tries to loose weight or maintain their weight by binge eating/ overeating and deliberately making themselves sick or using laxatives to empty their bowels. Binge eating and compulsive overeating which is often related to obesity is also an eating disorder. Binge eating or compulsive overeating is at the opposite end of the scale relating to eating habits compared to Anorexia.   


I myself have personally suffered with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia by being addicted to laxatives for a long time. I have previously written a blog post touching briefly on my story , if you would like to read more about my story here is the link below.

CONFESSIONS OF LIVING WITH ANOREXIA NERVOSA ( MY STORY )  

Possible Causes Of An Eating Disorder

There are many different causes of a possible eating disorder , there is not just one particular cause. Each individual is different and their reasons behind developing an eating disorder vary from each other , although some individuals may have similarities. 

. One possible cause of an eating disorder may be down to genes. If a person has a family history of eating disorders , depression or substance misuse , it is possible that this could be a factor of an individual developing an eating disorder. 

. Being bullied or heavily criticised about a person's body shape , weight or eating habits could have an emotional , mental and psychical impact on an individual and could be a cause of them developing an eating disorder.    

. Society and media influences could be a cause of an individual developing an eating disorder . With the media constantly portraying " What is perfect" could have a negative impact on an individual. 

. An individual with an obsessive personality , an anxiety disorder or low self-esteem may be at risk to developing an eating disorder.

. Sexual or emotional abuse and difficult relationships with family or friends could be a possible cause of an individual developing an eating disorder.

. Stressful situations and life events such as work , school , university ,struggling marriage , divorce or break up , death of a loved one , money troubles or strained relationships with family and friends could be a factor of a person developing an eating disorder. 

    

Anorexia Nervosa

Individuals suffering with anorexia nervosa are often under weight for what they should weigh for a healthy weight. People suffering with anorexia mental state is to constantly lose weight , as they see themselves much bigger than they actually are. For example looking into mirror they may see someone who is the size of a tiger but in actual fact they are a size of a cat. Their whole life becomes revolved around weight , body image and their relationship with food. 

Behaviours 

. Wearing baggy or loose clothes to cover their body.

. Weighing themselves daily 

. Measuring themselves , such as their waist and hip size

. Checking their body in the mirror 

. Constantly asking people if they have put weight on 

. Holding their belly or crossing their arms over their body 

. Individuals may tell lies about eating or what they have eaten 

. Giving excuses about why they are not eating 

. Pretending they have already eaten earlier 

. Lying about how much weight they have lost

How Anorexia Affects An Individual 

. Obsessively reading cookery books and recipes 

. Constantly dieting 

. Counting calories in food obsessively 

. Avoiding food 

. Eating only specific foods

. Fasting 

. Avoiding eating with others

. Hiding food

. Cutting food into small pieces 

. Taking appetite suppressants 

   

 Bulimia Nervosa



Bulimia is a cruel cycle for an individual as it is a cycle that is hard to break out of. People suffering with bulimia tend to have very low self-esteem and often think they are much bigger than they actually are. Individuals have strict rules about there diet , eating and exercise but these rules tend to fail for the individual and the individual ends up bingeing on large amounts of food and then forces themselves to be sick or take laxatives to get rid of the food consumed. This behaviour often happens because of the guilt the individual feels for bingeing out. 


Behaviours 

. Disappearing soon after eating food ( usually to the bathroom)

.Mood swings 

.Spending large amounts on money for bingeing 

.Overly exercising

.Isolated from others

.Not eating with people

.Anxiety

.Depression 

. Social avoidance


How Bulimia Nervosa Affects An Individual 


. Regular weight changes

.Isolation from others

. Obsessive towards there eating habits

.Swelling of cheeks and jaw area 

.Stained teeth 

. Constant body aches and pains 

. Acne / Spots 

. Damaged bowels

. Heart and other organ problems 

. Rapid mood changes

. Lack of energy



Binge Eating Disorder 




Individuals who deal with their feelings and emotions through eating food consistently are often known to have a binge eating disorder. Food provides comfort and sense of relief from the individuals anxieties , stress and feelings that they are experiencing. People with a binge eating disorder often have no control over their eating habits. Generally people with a binge eating disorder have very low self-esteem , depression and anxiety. 


Behaviours 

. Lying about what they have or haven't eaten 

. Hiding food

. Rapidly eating large amounts of food

. Complaining about being hungry although they have just eaten 

. Rapid weight gain 

. Mood changes 

. Isolation 


How Binge Eating Disorder Affects An Individual 


. High cholesterol 

. High blood pressure 

. Diabetes

. Asthma 

. Chronic Back Pain 

. Osteoarthritis 

. Heart Disease

. Depression 

. Further anxiety and low self-esteem 






I hope you all find this post useful :) for further information about this topic or if you are seeking help and support see my information and help page! :D 


( Help & Information Link)





Love Ava 
xoxox