LIFESTYLE NEWS - Symptoms vary with each eating disorder, but the most common symptoms include:
- abnormally low or high body weight
- an irregular diet
- the desire to eat alone or secretly
- using the bathroom frequently after a meal obsession with losing or gaining weight quickly
- obsession with physical appearance and perception of body by others
- feelings of guilt and shame around eating habits
- experiencing abnormal stress or discomfort about eating habits
Women are more likely than men to have eating disorders. Other genetic, social, and environmental factors that may increase your risk for developing an eating disorder include:
Family history: Genes may increase a person's susceptibility to developing an eating disorder. People with first-degree relatives who have an eating disorder are more likely to have one, too.
Excessive dieting: Weight loss is often met with positive reinforcement. The need for affirmation can drive you to diet more severely, which can lead to an eating disorder.
Psychological health: If you have an eating disorder, an underlying psychological or mental health problem may be contributing to it.
These problems can include:
- low self-esteem
- anxiety
- depression
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- troubled relationships
- impulsive behaviour
Life transitions: Certain life changes and events can cause emotional distress and anxiety, which can make you more susceptible to eating disorders. This is especially true if you've struggled with an eating disorder in the past. These times of transition can include moving, changing jobs, the end of a relationship, or the death of a loved one. Abuse, sexual assault, and incest can also trigger an eating disorder.
Extracurricular activities: If you're part of sports teams or artistic groups, you're at an increased risk. The same is true for members of any community that's driven by appearance as a symbol of social status, including athletes, actors, dancers, models, and television personalities.
Coaches, parents, and professionals in these areas may inadvertently contribute to eating disorders by encouraging weight loss.
Source: Healthline
This article is for informative purposes only. Please see your doctor if you experience any symptoms. Questions can be forwarded to questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
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