Common eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder involve an unhealthy focus on weight, body shape, and food and can result in physical harm to the heart, digestive system, bones, teeth, and mouth and psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. While those who control their eating through an eating disorder are at risk for death and physical and mental health problems, they’re also at risk for growth problems, social issues, substance use, and school or work issues. Many with eating disorders feel guilt and shame that prevent them from seeking helping. Others may not see the severity of their habits.
Eating disorders often arise from a preoccupation with food as a source of control, even perfectionism, over emotions and life situations. They can also arise as a way to deal with stress, sadness, or boredom and result in avoiding social situations or hiding eating behaviors.
While eating disorders can begin at any age, teens and young adults are most likely to develop an eating disorder. Risk factors include having family members with an eating disorder, mental health issues such as depression, trauma, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, frequent dieting, starvation that can result in mood changes and rigid thinking, bullying about weight, and stress from life change.
Deb Falzoi
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