Eating disorders are mental illnesses that can destroy lives. Seeking professional help early is key, says nutritionist Nicole Senior.
Types of eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa, the most serious and life-threatening of eating disorders, is actually the least common. It is characterised by a severely restricted food intake and dangerously low body weight. Bulimia nervosa describes uncontrollable eating binges followed by purging, either as vomiting, laxative use or excessive exercise; and is physically damaging. Both anorexia and bulimia can last for many years.
Who is affected?
Eating disorders are 10 times more common in females, but do occur in males. Around 5% to 10% of adults with an eating disorder and one in four children with anorexia nervosa are male, and the numbers are increasing.
What causes eating disorders?
There is no single cause, and both personal and environmental factors appear to play a role. A genetic contribution is also quite likely. Super-skinny models in magazines are not the cause of eating disorders, but they don’t help. Dieting, depression and body dissatisfaction are the most common triggers for developing an eating disorder.
The shame
The world within sufferers’ minds is very lonely. They keep their thoughts and actions secret for a long time, and may deny there is a problem. Eating disorders also often go hand in hand with other mental illnesses such as depression. It is essential sufferers get expert medical help. The sooner the condition is detected and help sought, the much more likely they are to recover.
‘Just eat something and you’ll be fine’
Simply making a person with anorexia eat will not ‘fix’ things – it is not that simple. While nourishment helps, their mental illness needs to be treated.
How are they treated?
Through psychological therapy, sufferers are taught to find other ways of coping with emotional and social difficulties instead of using food and weight loss to gain a sense of control. They are helped back to normal eating and proper nutrition. The most successful treatment is by a co-ordinated team of health professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors and dietitians. Family help and support is also crucial, especially in younger people.
Dieting – an important trigger
Dieting can trigger the development of eating disorders. People with eating disorders are coached away from dieting and towards considering all foods ‘OK’ and not as ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
Prevention
It’s helpful to teach kids to accept themselves and their bodies and discourage dieting. Children are great imitators, so adults play an important role in promoting positive body image and sensible eating. Self-worth is important in helping children cope with life’s pressures and grow into resilient teens and adults.
Further information: For more information on types of eating disorders and services to assist recovery contact the Eating Disorders Foundation (02) 9412 4499 or go to www.edf.org.au. Visit www.ifnotdieting.com for healthy dieting alternatives.
Source: Super Food Ideas – June 2006, Page 88 & Taste.com.au
Author: Nicole Senior
