It can be worrying about having a loved one suffering from an eating disorder. The best thing to do is to support the person you care about. You will understand their issue and ensure they get professional help with the proper knowledge.
Myths about Eating Disorders
Various myths exist about eating disorders. People consider that a person suffering from the condition is usually underweight. On the contrary, cases happen to people of different sizes. Another common myth is that the disorders occur in teenage girls and young adults. However, eating disorders are common for both sexes and exist in people across the age-sets.
Still, most individuals consider the disorder a minor issue that is easy to overcome. Unlike the stereotypical view, the condition can lead to severe health complications. A person with it needs help to overcome the situation. Let us now look at the common types of eating disorders and what it entails.
The Various eating Disorders
Having a healthy lifestyle is essential. A dietician for eating disorders can help a person suffering from the condition. Below are the common issues they handle;
- Anorexia; is the condition where an individual may fear being fat and will refrain from intake of food due to fear of taking a lot of calories. You may find them taking slimming pills and engaging in exercises to limit their weight. Still, they may be thin but will continue refraining from food.
- Bulimia; is another common eating disorder that entails a person having periods when they eat lots of food and then go for a duration of no eating. Their objective is to eliminate the calories the body takes after binge eating.
- Binge eating; happens when a person cannot control the amount of food they take. Even though they might be uncomfortably full, they will continue eating. The disorder may bring shame and guilt, but the people suffering from binge eating cannot control themselves.
What to Look out For
Body appearance is a concern for many people. Mostly is due to peer pressure. It may lead to eating disorders, and those suffering will conceal the issue. Here are signs to help you identify the condition;
A person finds excuses not to eat or consume small portions.
- Having an obsession with body weight and the calories they take. They will regularly weigh themselves and count the calories they eat.
- A person takes a long time than average to chew food.
- They will disappear during meal times.
- Huge weight reduction.
- Have numerous food wrappers in the trash.
- Unexplained food disappearance.
- Carrying junk food everywhere.
- Isolation and secrecy when eating.
- Massive weight gain.
More signs exist in eating disorders. Research about them to help you identify the problem in loved ones. It depends on the condition the person is having.
Conclusion
If you identify several indicators, it would be best to talk to the person about them. However, you need to know how to approach and speak to a person with an eating disorder. Please encourage them to get professional help and support them throughout the process.
Comments are closed.