Eating Disorder & Body Image
An eating disorder is complex with a range of symptoms including problems eating. Often the person is unhappy with their body shape, size or weight and it typically impacts self-esteem, relationships and their ability to cope with life in general. It is a myth that a person must look very thin or thin before an eating disorder can be considered. While most people with an eating disorder are female, increasing numbers of males are also being diagnosed as are young people and children.
To date, evidence suggests a variety of risk factors contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Different risk factors affect each individual.
Some of these factors are psychological, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, self-criticism, feelings of inadequacy, perfectionism, the need to achieve highly and the need gain other people’s approval.
Some risk factors are socio-cultural. These relate to ideas within our society. For example, within Western society there is pressure for women to conform to the ideal of being thin.
Personal factors can trigger an eating disorder. These can include the breakdown of a relationship, changes in adolescence, or a history of child abuse.
Biological factors such as such as hormonal or chemical imbalances in the body can play a role in the development of an eating disorder. Depression is commonly diagnosed in conjunction with an eating disorder, and anti-depressant medication may be useful.
There are three main eating disorders with distinct and separate characteristics.
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia
Compulsive Overeating
Treatment
While various forms of treatment are available the first step is for the person to recognise they have a problem. They need encouragement and support to seek help.
If you think that you, or someone you know, might have an eating disorder, talking about it and getting help is important – even if you might find it embarrassing or insignificant. Trying to deal with an eating disorder on your own is very difficult.