Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are characterized by extreme beliefs, attitudes and behaviours regarding food and
weight. They are complex and serious diseases that mainly affect girls, though they can also be
found among boys. In some cases, eating disorders can have harmful medical, psychological, social
and familial consequences. This is why professional help is necessary.
Would you like to learn more on the subject? Click on each of the sections below for details.
What are the main eating disorders?
Here is a brief description of the main eating disorders:
Anorexia
Anorexia is a disease resulting in significant weight-loss caused by an obsessive preoccupation
with thinness. Sufferers generally have an intense fear of gaining weight, which leads them to feel
a good deal of guilt and angst. In addition, people suffering from anorexia usually have a distorted
body image, so that they feel “fat” even when their body is well below the recommended weight.
Anorexia is a disease resulting in significant weight-loss caused by an obsessive preoccupation
with thinness. Sufferers generally have an intense fear of gaining weight, which leads them to feel
a good deal of guilt and angst. In addition, people suffering from anorexia usually have a distorted
body image, so that they feel “fat” even when their body is well below the recommended weight.
Bulimia
Individuals suffering from bulimia are caught in a cycle: they lose control of their eating, and then
engage in compensatory behaviours to eliminate the food consumed. The individual ingests large
amounts of food despite feeling no hunger. These episodes are accompanied by strong feelings of
guilt, self-loathing and physical and psychological distress.
Bulimia is in some ways an insidious and daunting disease, since the sufferer’s body weight remains
relatively normal. This means the illness can stay hidden longer and makes it more difficult to detect.
However, this eating disorder can have very serious consequences, even death. Therefore, though
the physical signs may be less apparent, a person with bulimia is still suffering, and their health is
in jeopardy.
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Binge Eating Disorder
This disorder is characterized by episodes during which the sufferer eats excessive amounts of food
until they feel extremely uncomfortable physically. Sufferers feel like they have no control over the
amount of food ingested; they feel unable to stop during the binge, and experience feelings of guilt
and shame. Since they do not engage in compensatory behaviours, weight gain is one of the results
of this disorder.
In addition to the eating disorders described above, anyone who is experiencing eating or weight
issues shouldn’t hesitate to seek help if they feel a need. It’s important to share your concerns with
someone you can trust, to help you better understand the cause of the problem. Isn’t the point to
have a healthy body and a healthy mind?
Who is affected?
Eating disorders and weight preoccupation affect girls and boys of all ages, regardless of social
class, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or profession. Girls and women nevertheless make up approximately 90% of those diagnosed with a clinical eating disorder. Boys and men exhibit symptoms
very similar to those found among the opposite sex, except of course the cessation of menstruation.
However, guys often face a serious problem: they are told they have a woman’s disease. This is why
many of them hide their problem out of a fear of being judged or labeled. Thankfully, professionals
are aware of this, and treat all their patients, whether male or female, with openness, understanding
and acceptance.
A few statistics…
• In Canada, nearly one in three girls aged 12 to 18 has some kind of problem with her eating
or her attitude towards food (NEDIC).
• Eating disorders are ranked as the third most common chronic disease among adolescents
(Canadian Paediatric Society).
• Up to 100,000 girls and women in Quebec are living with less sever forms of anorexia, bulimia and unspecified eating disorders (Douglas).
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What are the causes?
When it comes to eating disorders, there’s no point in searching for the cause. Rather, they stem
from many causes that are as complicated and varied as the individuals suffering from them.
Eating disorders are complex and are brought about by a combination of factors—individual psychological, familial, environmental and socio-cultural. Here is a list of some of the factors that can
contribute to eating disorders:
Individual factors: female, genetic predisposition (heredity), lack of neurotransmitters, puberty/
adolescence, body dissatisfaction, starting a restrictive diet, personality traits (perfectionism,
conformity, rigidity, impulsivity, obsessive tendencies), low self-esteem, inefficient coping strategies, difficulty expressing emotions and self-affirmation, feelings of worthlessness, concern with
other people’s opinions…
Familial factors: problematic relationships within the family, unspoken issues, importance placed
on appearance, pressure to perform, avoidance of conflict, addictions, unpredictable and inconsistent family rules, another family member has body image and eating issues…
Environmental factors: stressful or traumatic life events (separation, death, family conflict, sexual
or physical abuse, moving, transition to high school CEGEP or university) lack of support network of
friends…
Socio-cultural factors: unrealistic beauty ideal (idealization of thinness), social pressure (notably in
certain sports or activities like gymnastics, dance, fashion), prejudice against obesity…
Eating disorders often appear during adolescence, a time when teens are trying to figure out
who they are, separate from their parents and fit in among their peers. In the face of these major
issues, a poorly-equipped teen might turn towards unhealthy eating habits. Why? Because eating disorders can be seen as behaviours that are adopted in order to manage difficult emotions,
overcome problems, or meet needs. They generally appear as a sign that something is wrong on a
deep level. Therefore, it is important to understand what purpose the unhealthy behaviour is serving in order to find healthier ways to cope with life, and to recover from the eating disorder.
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What are the psychological and physical effects?
The psychological and physical effects of an eating disorder are numerous, and pose serious
health risks for the sufferer. This is why it’s important to act quickly to prevent these consequences
from worsening and leading to irreversible physical harm.
Psychological effects:
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Intense preoccupation with food and weight
Distorted self image
Low self-esteem
Tendency to feel guilty
Recent tendency to cook for friends and family
Isolation and withdrawal from others
Rituals that are increasingly restrictive
Intense physical and mental activity
Irritability
Need for other people’s approval
Frequent mood swings
Lethargy, sadness and depression
Difficulty concentrating
Avoidance of meals and social activities
Physical effects:
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Tiredness, shakiness, dizziness, fainting, headaches
Insomnia and memory loss
Dry skin, hair loss, weak and brittle nails
Lanugo (growth of fine, downy hair on face, back and arms)
Vitamin deficiencies
Menstrual issues or cessation of menses
Risk of osteoporosis
Reduced muscle mass
Chronic constipation
Anaemia (iron deficiency)
Extreme sensitivity to cold (cold hands and feet)
Slowed heart rate, palpitations and heart attack
Death
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Is it possible to recover from an eating disorder?
Yes! Recovery is possible, though the road can sometimes be long and difficult. Eating disorders are
complex issues and overcoming them usually takes time. There are no quick, easy solutions for resolving these types of issues. Recovery requires working on yourself, confronting your attitudes and
ways of thinking, and allowing yourself the time you need to heal, little by little. At the heart of the
process is the hope of achieving personal well-being.
The first step consists of admitting there is a problem and seeking help. We are aware that this is no
easy task, but a person has little chance of recovering on their own. Here are a few ideas and tips
to begin the process:
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Step out of isolation (call a friend, go to a movie, connect with people)
Give yourself permission to do nothing, without feeling guilty
Learn to experience your emotions, listen to your desires and express your needs
Stop apologizing for everything
Use “I” statements when you speak; verbalize your feelings
Start to appreciate food again, and eat according to your appetite
Do activities you enjoy, and take care of yourself
Live in the present moment without worrying about future events
Recognize your qualities, accept your flaws and allow yourself to be less than perfect
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Myths and Facts About Eating Disorders
It can be hard to tell the myths from the facts when it comes to eating disorders. This list can help.
:: Eating disorders only affect adolescents.
MYTH - – Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their origin and socio-economic background. While many people start having symptoms during adolescence (ages 13 to 18), children,
men and women of all ages can fall victim to this disease. In recent years, researchers have even
noticed an increase in cases among women aged 30 and up.
:: Eating disorders affect up to 100,000 women and girls in Quebec.
FACT – This is certainly an alarming fact. Over the past few decades, eating disorder rates in industrialized countries have tripled. Severe cases of anorexia and bulimia affect more than 30,000
Quebec women—and up to 100,000 girls and women in Quebec are suffering from less severe forms
of anorexia, bulimia and unspecified eating disorders. These numbers are shocking!
:: You can tell a person is suffering from an eating disorder by their appearance.
MYTH - Some people are naturally thin, without having an eating disorder. On the other hand, some
people suffering from an eating disorder, particularly bulimia, have a “normal” weight. This is why in
many cases there is nothing in the person’s physical appearance to indicate the presence of an eating disorder. People suffering from eating disorders are not necessarily as thin as you might think,
though some are.
Boys and men suffering from an eating disorder are probably gay.
MYTH - There is no link whatsoever between sexual orientation and eating disorders. For many years,
it was believed that only women suffered from eating disorders, but now we know that boys and men
can suffer from them too. However, they tend to be a lot more reluctant to seek help because of the
preconceptions that exist in today’s society.
:: You can die from anorexia and bulimia.
FACT - Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. Eating disorders have a very high
risk of becoming chronic, and have harmful medical and psychological consequences. According to
the National Institute of Nutrition, 10 to 15 % of people suffering from anorexia or bulimia will eventually
die from it. But it’s important not to forget that eating disorders are treatable, and can be cured!
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:: An eating disorder is just a way to get attention, which means it’s a choice.
MYTH - Individuals suffering from an eating disorder do not choose to suffer from it, nor do they do
it to get attention. Rather, they are living with deep-seated pain that they are unable to express
otherwise. There are numerous reasons causing a person to have an eating disorder. Studies have
helped us in this regard, revealing that eating disorders can stem from a variety of biological, psychological and social factors. Eating disorders are complex issues and not due to a person’s whim
or choice. It is wrong to say that a person suffering from anorexia just needs to start eating again,
or that a person with bulimia just lacks will-power.
:: You can never recover from an eating disorder.
MYTH - This is a widespread myth because recovery from an eating disorder can take a long time. In some
cases, the illness recurs, but it’s important to keep in mind that complete recoveries are common. Recovery
is achieved in a series of small victories and baby steps. Relapses are a normal part of the process. Patience is necessary.
Source : www.lanorexiesesoigne.com
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