Eating disorders refer the disturbances in an individual’s eating or eating-related behaviours. These disorders affect a person’s physical, social and mental well being. Research conducted in 2019, found that 9% of the world’s population suffers from an eating disorder.
People with eating disorders often experience obsessive thoughts about food and their weight – thoughts that are intrusive and can be difficult to control. Additionally, they can very often experience compulsions. Compulsions are behaviours that a person persists in doing, even though they may have negative effects.
Additionally, individuals with eating disorders may also experience body dysmorphia, this is when what they see in reality, is not in line with how they perceive themselves. For example, they may look in the mirror and see someone who is overweight, but in reality, they are extremely skinny.
It is important to understand that an eating disorder is different from dieting or other forms of weight loss. People who want to lose weight may diet, exercise and change their lifestyles. They do this to be healthier and change their body shape. Usually, a person who is trying to lose weight will have a goal, and once they reach it, will strive to maintain it. However, a person who is suffering from an eating disorder often becomes unable to stop. Thus they can end up losing more and more weight until they have caused severe physical harm to themselves.
Common eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Avoidant Restrictive Food intake Disorder.