The Relationship Between Eating Disorders And Physical Health
For many people, living with an eating disorder can seem like a constant battle. These disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, don't just affect how someone thinks about food. They can also impact every organ system and threaten overall health.
In addition to their effects on mental health, eating disorders can lead to severe physical health problems, like loss of bone density and digestive troubles. Experiencing the tangible effects on the body can be the wake-up call many need to seek help. If you or someone you know is facing an eating disorder, know that help is available, and recovery is within reach.
How do eating disorders develop?
Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder often develop in response to a mix of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Individuals with a genetic predisposition may be more vulnerable to these conditions. For example, people with a family history of eating disorders usually have a higher risk of developing them.
Those struggling with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem may also be more likely to experience eating disorders. A sense of inadequacy in relation to body image can further worsen these perceptions. Individuals may resort to disordered eating behaviors in an attempt to reach unrealistic body standards.
Environmental influences may also be important. Societal pressure to appear a certain way can affect how someone views their body. The media often portrays "ideal" body shapes that can drive people to change their eating patterns.
Trauma or stressful life events may trigger or worsen eating disorders. People might turn to food to cope with emotional stress. Significant changes, such as moving to college or experiencing a breakup, might lead to disordered eating behaviors.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Common types of eating disorders
The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Each of these can come with various symptoms and risks.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder in which individuals typically limit their food intake. People with this condition often have a strong fear of gaining weight and usually weigh much less than what is considered healthy for their age and height. Signs of anorexia can include eating few calories and having a distorted body image. A person struggling with anorexia might also exercise too much, which can put additional stress on their body.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa generally involves patterns of binge eating followed by purging. People with bulimia often consume a large amount of food in a short time and then try to eliminate the calories by vomiting or using laxatives. Some common signs of bulimia may include going to the bathroom frequently after meals and finding food wrappers or containers hidden away.
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder is normally characterized by consuming large amounts of food quickly. Unlike bulimia, there is usually no attempt to “get rid of” the food afterward. This can result in feelings of guilt and shame after eating. Some signs can include eating when not hungry and continuing to eat until uncomfortably full. There may also be secret stashes of food hidden around the house. People with this disorder often face challenges with obesity and related health concerns.
The effects of eating disorders on physical health
Bulimia can lead to various physical health problems. Repeated vomiting can damage the esophagus and erode tooth enamel, potentially causing cavities and gum disease. Electrolyte imbalances can negatively affect heart function and increase the risk of heart rhythm problems. Other physical effects may include stomach ulcers and chronic sore throat.
Binge eating disorder often causes weight gain, which may lead to obesity. This condition is often linked to serious health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. Obesity can also raise the risk of high blood pressure and joint problems, such as osteoarthritis, as well as sleep apnea, which can disrupt breathing during sleep.
People with these disorders may also experience fatigue, dizziness, and a weakened immune system. The range and severity of physical health problems can vary based on the type of eating disorder and its symptoms.
Eating disorders and mental health
Eating disorders often come with serious mental health challenges. Many people with these disorders become intensely focused on food, body weight, and shape. This intense focus can lead them to pull away from friends and family, making it hard to maintain relationships.
People with eating disorders often struggle with conditions like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Leaving mental disorders unmanaged may worsen harmful eating behaviors, creating a difficult cycle to break. Getting prompt support may give someone the best chance of overcoming both the mental and physical effects of eating disorders.
Treatments for eating disorders
A person with an eating disorder may need various forms of treatment to manage their symptoms and behaviors. What works can vary from person to person. Treatment options may include the following:
- Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people change negative thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image.
- Medication: Antidepressants and other prescription medications may manage symptoms of anxiety or depression. Other medications may also be prescribed for certain eating disorders. Never start, stop or change any medication without consulting your doctor first.
- Nutrition counseling: Dietitians may help individuals create healthy eating plans and make sure they get proper nutrition.
People with eating disorders may need regular medical check-ups because severe cases can lead to serious health problems. A hospital visit may be necessary if a person with an eating disorder is experiencing severe malnutrition.
In some cases, if someone has lost a significant amount of weight rapidly and is showing signs of dehydration, weakness, or heart problems, they may need to be hospitalized to receive proper nutrition and care.
Other ways to manage eating disorders
There are various ways to manage eating disorders effectively. Here are some approaches that may support recovery and promote a balanced lifestyle.
Mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can support individuals experiencing eating disorders by increasing awareness of their eating habits and emotional triggers. By practicing mindfulness, they can recognize and manage negative thoughts about food and body image. Techniques like deep breathing may reduce stress, potentially empowering them to make more positive food choices.
Journaling
By keeping a daily journal, individuals can keep track of their eating habits, emotions, and thoughts. This practice may help them notice patterns and triggers that lead to harmful eating behaviors. Writing about their experiences can provide a way to express their emotions, which may make them easier to manage, rather than keeping everything inside.
Nutrition education
Knowing about nutrition may help people make better food choices and maintain a healthy weight. Individuals can learn about different food groups, portion sizes, and the nutrients our bodies need, which may make meals less stressful. This knowledge may allow individuals to plan and maintain balanced eating habits that support their overall health.
Regular physical activity
Exercise typically releases endorphins, which can boost mood and lower stress levels. It can also support overall health and help individuals maintain a stable weight when done in a controlled way. It can be important to pick activities that are enjoyable, like yoga, swimming, or walking, to ensure that exercise doesn’t become obsessive or punishing.
Limited social media exposure
Social media can sometimes promote unrealistic body ideals and harmful eating habits. Reducing the time spent on these platforms may limit exposure to content that may trigger negative feelings. People can also choose to follow accounts that encourage body positivity and nutritious eating habits instead.
Support groups
Sharing experiences with others who face similar obstacles may be comforting and empowering. These groups may allow individuals to talk about their struggles and successes, and they can often be found in community centers, healthcare facilities, or online. Regular meetings may help individuals sense they are less alone and more supported during recovery.
Support for binge eating disorder and other eating disorders
Many websites and apps provide tools like educational materials and self-help programs. Online communities and forums may provide different perspectives and advice. By using these digital resources, individuals can access ongoing support and resources that fit their needs. This way, help is always available, no matter where someone is or what their schedule looks like.
Support from friends and family can be key when managing eating disorders. A supportive network of loved ones can provide emotional comfort and accountability, potentially making the journey toward recovery less isolating.
Numerous organizations are dedicated to supporting individuals with eating disorders and raising awareness about these challenges. Some notable organizations include the following:
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Offers resources, support groups, and a helpline for those affected by eating disorders
- Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA): Provides a 12-step program for individuals seeking recovery from eating disorders through peer support
- The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness: Focuses on education and advocacy while providing resources for recovery
Connecting with these organizations can provide additional support, information, and community while overcoming an eating disorder.
Find help online
For many people, therapy may be an effective way to address underlying difficulties and manage harmful behaviors. Online therapy can empower individuals to connect with qualified professionals without having to travel to an office. This option may be especially useful for those who may have difficulty getting around, live in remote areas, or simply want to receive therapy from the comfort of home.
Is online therapy effective for eating disorders?
Studies suggest online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for eating disorders. A 2022 study compared the effects of virtual therapy and in-person therapy for adults with eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found that both groups showed similar improvements, with 76% of participants in the virtual therapy group reporting better eating symptoms and increased satisfaction with services. These results suggest that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions, especially when access to in-person care is limited.
Takeaway
How does an eating disorder affect physical health?
Depending on the type and severity of the eating disorder, there can be a wide variety of physical health effects to eating disorder behaviors. Some common ones may include:
- Binge eating disorder: stomach rupture, fluctuating blood sugar
- Severe restriction in eating (ARFID, anorexia nervosa): Due to not getting enough food, your body can experience serious health consequences such as low blood pressure, liver inflammation, a sluggish digestive system, bone loss, and even brain damage.
- Bulimia shares some of the same medical complications as restrictive eating disorders, but forced vomiting and taking laxatives as contraindicated adds additional problems such as acid reflux, erosion of tooth enamel, and severe electrolyte imbalances, one of the more life-threatening, serious complications that can lead to stroke or heart failure.
What effects does an eating disorder have on personal life and the family?
When a person lives with an intense fear of a larger body size, and a hyper focus to lose weight, they may inadvertently begin to shut out friends and members of their family. This can lead to the individual feeling isolated and unloved. Family members and friends may feel rejected in their turn and begin to avoid the individual, exacerbating the problem.
What physical problems are often associated with eating disorders?
Individuals who experience eating disorders often have abdominal pain, reduced metabolism, weakness, fatigue, and generally poor well-being. Eating disorders are also often associated with a variety of health risks.
What are the health problems associated with eating disorders?
Eating disorders include a complicated combination of serious, and potentially life-threatening mental and physical health problems that are difficult to treat. To prevent eating disorders is the first line of defense, but eating disorders treated with prompt treatment that follows an interdisciplinary team approach is the most effective way to treat serious cases. A treatment plan for eating disorders may involve medical treatment and nutritional counseling for refeeding, as well as psychological support like talk therapy and support groups.
How does eating unhealthy affect your physical health in the case of binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder involves eating large amounts of food, with difficulty or inability to stop. This can lead to extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which not only negatively impact a person’s well-being, but also have long term health implications like increased risk for heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. In extreme cases, binge eating disorder can also lead to stomach rupture.
How does eating healthy affect your physical and mental health?
Both physical and mental health can be affected by eating disorders. While eating disorders often have their roots in other mental health conditions, the symptoms of these conditions can be exacerbated by the effects of disordered eating behaviors, damaging self-esteem, and feeding into a cycle of depression, anxiety, and often leading to substance abuse or substance use disorders. It is important to seek treatment promptly for eating disorders, you can start by reaching out to your primary care provider, who can then make recommendations and referrals to specialists.
What impact do eating habits have on the development of health conditions?
Research suggests that having a mental health condition can be a risk factor for developing an eating disorder, but conversely an eating disorder affects mental health as well, intensifying symptoms of other conditions, creating anxiety, or leading to thoughts of self-harm.
How do eating disorders affect social health?
Research suggests that individuals who experience eating disorders may not only face potential severe health problems but that their relationships with others can be negatively impacted. Social events, especially those involving food, can trigger complicated emotional issues and lead to people avoiding them, and eventually even avoiding friends and family members. They may end up cutting loved ones out of their lives in their attempt to hide their disorder, or due to hyper focus on their body shape, avoiding certain foods, or food rituals.
What are the factors affecting eating disorders?
Research studies have not yet found an exact cause for eating disorders, but have identified several risk factors. These include genetics (someone with a close family member who has been diagnosed with an eating disorder is more likely to develop one), having another existing mental illness or mental illnesses like depression or OCD, having a distorted self-image, or having experienced trauma.
What are the physical symptoms of an eating disorder?
This can depend on the eating disorder. For restrictive eating disorders, you may notice weakness, fatigue, fainting spells, slow pulse, and even a growth of downy hair all over the body (to preserve body heat).
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