Eating disorders are a condition that can plague women and men causing a severe hindrance when it comes to a person’s eating habits. Being underweight is usually the stigma of an anorexic and bulimic, while the stigma for binge eater is being overweight. To clear up any misconceptions, there are people that have eating disorders that still maintain a healthy weight. Any weight loss is just an underlying symptom of the eating disorder which should be treated as soon as possible.
Weight loss is not the deciding factor of an eating disorder. It is the mental suffering that ensues and the physical actions that a person takes that constitutes whether or not they have one. There is more harm in the eating disorder itself than in the weight fluctuation. Regardless of weight loss or weight gain, a tortured soul probably lies inside of somebody that has an eating disorder. The point is that if someone is starving themselves, overeating, or binging and purging, most likely they are a trying to unleash the mental anguish that has been manifested by taking the actions that are medically defined for an eating disorder.
Other things to consider are the social, psychological, and interpersonal factors that can have a hand in eating disorders.
Social
- Cultural pressures to be thin
- Placing significance of having a perfect body
- Valuing body types rather than inner beauty
- Pictures that are photoshopped or edited
Psychological
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inadequate feelings
- Lack of control
- Loneliness
- Self-esteem
- Stress
Interpersonal
- Bullied based on size and weight
- Sexually abused
- Troubled personal relationships
- Unable to express feelings
Since there is usually a stereotype for people with these disorders, it is important to know that they can materialize within anyone. Many individuals can go years without anyone detecting their eating disorder due to keeping a consistent normal weight. This does not mean that the person is healthy physically or mentally. It only means that they have just been able to conceal their problem more efficiently. Look for signs of an eating disorder to assist somebody that needs to get some help because help is readily available when the facade is finally over.
Treatment for eating disorders can be instrumental in restoring confidence in the person as well as changing their perception with their own body image. Getting into treatment provides therapy that will help to stay on track and to prevent relapse.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center is 5-week addiction treatment where our qualified staff is instrumental in helping a loved one who has become addicted to drugs and alcohol start their plan of recovery. Treatment for co-occurring disorders is available. Every plan is uniquely customized to help them accomplish their long-term sobriety. Call us today: 844-720-6847
