Eating disorders

Eating disorders are conditions involving habitual unhealthy eating behaviors that cause dangerous effects on one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Society’s standards on body weight and body figures have impacted the eating habits of many individuals. In an attempt to measure up to the ideal body standards, eating disorders have become a part of their lives. Whether they eat insufficiently or excessively, those with eating disorders also experience mental health problems because of severe distress over their bodies. Some of the most common disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating.

Without proper treatment for such disorders, the person could be at risk of physical problems such as heart disease, malnutrition, digestive problems, and so forth. Bad eating habits will take a while to be transformed into healthy ones, but it’s always good to start somewhere. If treatment is what you need, we can help you.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are the most common eating disorders. With proper care and treatment, one can develop healthy habits and recover from the condition. Here are the common signs and symptoms for the common eating disorders:

Anorexia

Behavioral Signs

• Obsessive fear of gaining weight
• Using desperate methods to lose weight quickly
  • Vomiting forcibly after eating
  • Too much exercise
• Taking laxatives or diet aids
• Starving oneself

Physical Symptoms

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Brittle hair and nails
• Anemia
• Dry and yellow skin
• Loss of calcium causes bone thinning
• Slowed breathing
• Feeling cold
• Depression

Bulimia

Behavioral Signs

• Bingeing and purging
• Obsessively limiting their food intake during the day but would eventually lead to more bingeing and vomiting
• Similar to anorexia, one would attempt desperate methods to lose weight quickly
  • Vomiting forcibly after eating
  • Too much exercise
  • Taking laxatives or diet aids

Physical Symptoms

• Heart risks
• Experiencing Gastrointestinal problems
• Extreme dehydration
• Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, etc.

Binge-Eating

Behavioral Signs

• Eat too much food
• Eating at a fast pace and also excessively to the point of feeling overly full
• Guilt over the bingeing would also lead to doing the following unhealthy behaviors
  • Vomiting forcibly after eating
  • Too much exercise
  • Taking laxatives or diet aids

What are the problems it causes?

Eating disorders can cause a lot of complications whether in social situations or to the person’s physical and mental state. The complications can even be fatal if not treated immediately.

Some of the problems caused by eating disorders are the following:

• Relationship issues
• Work and school complications
• Alcohol and substance abuse disorders
• Severe health risks
• Suicidal thoughts and attempts
• Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety
• Hinders normal growth and development
• Death

Receiving Treatment for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are dangerously fatal and should be considered a severe case. If you or your loved one needs help overcoming eating disorders, Phoenix Rising Addiction Center can provide the best treatment plan for you. Our team will help you develop healthy eating habits and debunk toxic mindsets that have triggered your condition in the first place. Remember, you are worthy of love and you are beautiful regardless of your body weight and shape. Call to speak to Admissions about the program at 949-518-0345. Phoenix Rising Addiction Center services Orange County, Southern California residents.