Helping to debunk eating disorder myths
World Food Day is October 16, during National Obesity Week (October 15 – 19), so this is an appropriate time to try to understand eating and weight disorders.
Eating disorders are often seen as a ‘lifestyle’ choice, but they are serious illnesses that have a severe impact on a person’s health and everyday life, and can often be fatal.
“Eating disorders are complex mental health disorders that can affect anyone,” says Lauren Aron, a social worker at Akeso Montrose Manor.
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Anorexia nervosa is characterised by a persistent restriction of food intake, low body weight and a distorted view of body weight or shape. “People who have suffered from anorexia chronically have also experienced some degree of gastrointestinal distress, including severe bloating, constipation and indigestion,” says Ms Aron. “Chronic dehydration and malnutrition can drastically affect other vital organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.”
Bulimia nervosa is defined as a cycle of binging and purging. “This repeated inappropriate compensatory behaviour prevents weight gain, and includes self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics or other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise,” says Ms Aron.
Physically, a person dealing with bulimia may suffer with chronic dehydration. “Over the long term, this can lead to cardiovascular complications from electrolyte imbalance, blood pressure abnormalities, kidney failure and more,” says Ms Aron. “A person who is chronically binging and purging will also tend to suffer gastrointestinal distress.”
A person with binge eating disorder displays similar behaviour to people with bulimia nervosa, eating a significantly larger than normal amount of food in a short period of time. “Binge eaters eat much more rapidly than normal, they eat until uncomfortably full, and they eat large amounts of food when they are not feeling hungry,” Ms Aron says. People who binge eat repeatedly are at increased risk for heart disease, gastrointestinal distress, diabetes and more, she adds.
“Diet trends cannot influence someone to have an eating disorder but someone with an eating disorder who, for example, goes on a low-carb or banting diet, will often exacerbate their illness and their drive for thinness, whereas someone who does not have an eating disorder can go on a diet and use it in a healthy manner.”
If you are concerned about a friend or family member, there are things you can do to help.
“People with eating disorders find it difficult to accept compliments,” says Ms Aron. “They transform comments about looking healthy or good as looking fat or putting on weight. It’s advisable to steer away from comments about appearance. If you must, rather comment on more neutral features such as eyes, hair, or an item of clothing. Asking the person how they are feeling and listening to them is very important. Offer your support and let the person know that you are available to talk but don’t force them into talking or ask numerous questions.”
Ms Aron notes that meal times have probably been stressful in the past and may have involved arguments and tension. “It is important to remember that it is the sole responsibility of the person with the eating disorder, and not your responsibility, to eat their food. Nagging or coercing is not helpful or productive. If you notice that food has not been eaten or was eaten with difficulty, wait until the meal has been cleared away to discuss it.
“At home, you may encourage the person to take measures to help them get better. “These may include taking down full-length mirrors, getting rid of bathroom scales, discarding of fashion magazines, removing pictures of themselves or others at an ‘ideal’ weight, throwing away clothes that no longer fit but are being kept for when they are thinner.”
(Information from Akeso Clinics)
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