Eating disorders - A mental health issue

December 12, 2018

Healthcaretoday, Disordered eating, eating disorders, anorexic, bulimic behaviours, laxative, diet pill use, self induced vomiting,

Skipping meals; anorexic, bulimic behaviours, binge eating and dieting, and self-induced vomiting are all considered disordered eating habits.

Eating disorders are intricate medical and psychiatric conditions that can have profound effects on health, productivity, and interpersonal relationships. Recognizing the nuances between disordered eating and clinically diagnosed eating disorders is essential for understanding these issues.

Disordered eating vs. eating disorders
Disordered eating refers to abnormal eating patterns that may include unhealthy dieting practices, poor eating habits, and behaviors such as skipping meals. This category encompasses symptoms associated with anorexia and bulimia, including the use of laxatives and diet pills, cycles of binge eating followed by restrictive dieting, and self-induced vomiting.

While the terms "disordered eating" and "eating disorders" are often used interchangeably, the latter is clinically diagnosed based on specific behavioral symptoms and prolonged disordered eating that can lead to severe pathological conditions.

A study conducted in 2016 on disordered eating among urban and rural secondary school children in Selangor, Malaysia, revealed that 19.8% of students were affected by disordered eating behaviors. Additionally, Dr N. Thiyagar, vice-president of the Malaysian Association for Adolescent Health, noted that research from the Malaysian Psychiatric Association indicated that 1% of the population suffers from anorexia.

Three types of eating disorders
Dr Bharathi S Vengadasalam, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, identifies three primary types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by self-induced weight loss, often through extreme dieting, calorie restriction, or excessive exercise. This weight loss can become so severe that it disrupts the menstrual cycle in females. Dr Bharathi highlights that the condition is not limited to teenage girls; it has increasingly affected teenage boys as well.

Individuals with anorexia often have a distorted body image, leading them to believe they are not thin enough, despite significant weight loss. Importantly, having anorexia does not mean a person lacks appetite; rather, they may experience a strong desire to eat but choose to suppress it through behaviors like meticulous calorie counting and selective eating.

Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain. These behaviors may include self-induced vomiting, the use of diuretics, or laxatives. Dr Bharathi points out that for many individuals, this disorder is rooted in a struggle for control and autonomy over their bodies and eating habits.

Binge eating disorder
While not extensively covered in this discussion, binge eating disorder involves episodes of consuming large quantities of food, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress. It is important to recognize that this disorder can lead to significant health issues, including obesity and associated medical conditions.

Eating disorders are serious health conditions that require understanding and compassion. By distinguishing between disordered eating and clinically recognized eating disorders, we can better address these issues and support those affected. Early intervention, education, and appropriate treatment are essential for improving outcomes and helping individuals regain control over their health and well-being

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