Introduction
In the age of social media, people are constantly bombarded by images of perfect airbrushed bodies. The pressure to be perfect has never been higher. However, eating disorders are not simply a lifestyle choice. These are complex mental disorders that occur due to mental, physical and social causes. Eating disorders are dangerous mental illnesses and are 12 times more likely to lead to death then other mental illnesses. Eating disorders are serious and often fatal illnesses that cause severe disturbances to a person’s eating behaviours and habits. Although eating disorders affect both genders, women are 2.5 times more likely to experience an eating disorder than men. However, like women who have eating disorders, men can also have a distorted sense of body image - muscle dysphoria. Muscle dysphoria is a type of disorder marked by an extreme concern with becoming more muscular
In the age of social media, people are constantly bombarded by images of perfect airbrushed bodies. The pressure to be perfect has never been higher. However, eating disorders are not simply a lifestyle choice. These are complex mental disorders that occur due to mental, physical and social causes. Eating disorders are dangerous mental illnesses and are 12 times more likely to lead to death then other mental illnesses. Eating disorders are serious and often fatal illnesses that cause severe disturbances to a person’s eating behaviours and habits. Although eating disorders affect both genders, women are 2.5 times more likely to experience an eating disorder than men. However, like women who have eating disorders, men can also have a distorted sense of body image - muscle dysphoria. Muscle dysphoria is a type of disorder marked by an extreme concern with becoming more muscular
Signs and Symptoms
- Very low body weight
- Intense fear of weight gain
- Constant preoccupation with weight, dieting, and maintaining sense of control over food
- Extremely restricted eating
- Distorted body image
- Denial of seriousness of problem
Anorexia does not affect all body types the same and warning signs can be spotted before significant physical body changes. This can include:
-denial of hunger
-constant excuses to avoid mealtimes
-frequent comments about feeling fat
How It Affects the Body
When an individual has anorexia nervosa, their body is not getting the essential nutrients it needs to function. This can have widespread negative effects on the body such as:
When an individual has anorexia nervosa, their body is not getting the essential nutrients it needs to function. This can have widespread negative effects on the body such as:
- Dry hair and skin
- Fertility issues in women such as amenorrhea
- Osteoporosis
- Decrease in muscle mass and overall weakness
- Decreased heart rate and blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart failure
- Constant fatigue
- Feeling cold constantly
- Anemia
- Risk of organ failure
What to Do
It is important to seek treatment for this condition. The sooner treatment begins, the better the recovery process will be. Treatments can consist of the following:
It is important to seek treatment for this condition. The sooner treatment begins, the better the recovery process will be. Treatments can consist of the following:
- Counselling and support
- Counselling can consist of sessions with different health professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists. The different types of counselling can include interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy.
- Sessions with other health professionals such as dietitians or nutritionists can be helpful in forming long term support strategies to encourage healthy eating habits
- Counselling can be one on one or include the family in the recovery process
- Peer support groups can also be helpful in the recovery process
- Medications:
- There aren’t any specific medications that can help with anorexia itself, but there are medications available for mood problems that may come with an eating disorder.
- Medical care and monitoring
- Physical health problems can result from eating disorders which will require regular medical care and checkups.
Helpful Resources
To learn more about anorexia, where to get help and other information feel free to visit the following resources:
To learn more about anorexia, where to get help and other information feel free to visit the following resources:
Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta
This website provides help in finding support groups for eating disorders in the Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer area. It also has space for online support groups for both the individual and loved ones of the individual. It also provides detailed, comprehensive and current information about treatment options in Alberta. It also has access to more resources, books and videos.
Looking Glass
This is a BC based charity that provides support to individuals suffering from eating disorders. It aims to increase awareness of eating disorders and reduce associated stigma. IT also provides residential care, online support, volunteer support, and scholarships t those with eating disorders. More information can be found on the website.
The National Eating Disorder Information Centre
The National Eating Disorder Information Centre is a large Canadian charity that provides outreach, education, direct client support and other programs. They also provide helpful information, positive ideas and personal stories all intended to help provide support and awareness for eating disorders. They also provide a nation-wide directory of service providers so that an individual can find professional support.
This content of these pages is for informational purposes only. The information presented here is not a replacement for medical care. For medical concerns, consult a healthcare professional.
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