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Writer's pictureZoe Cross

An introduction to eating disorders



Why might someone have an eating disorder?

The truth is that we don’t know what causes a person to have an eating disorder but we do know it is usually a mix of influences that results in an imbalance in mental health.


It is all too easy to blame societal pressures on looking ‘good’, living in the digital era where our every move is recorded and, of course, peer pressure – particularly amongst girls. However it can be much more than these alone. A difficult home, school or work life, feelings of pressure, bullying or abuse and substance misuse are numbered among some of the triggers. Being prone to depression, having low self-esteem, feeling out of control, having obsessive or compulsive behaviours or anxiety (to name just a few) can all manifest themselves into an eating disorder.


Anyone can have an eating disorder, men, women, girls, boys – at any age or stage of life, in any culture or from any background.


As you can see, it’s complex.


What are the main types of eating disorders?

There are several ways in which eating disorders present but the main ones are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. There is often a dimension of secrecy on the part of the person with the eating disorder. These disorders are representative of addiction and, as a result, sufferers can be quite adept at covering their behaviour.


Anorexia Nervosa:

This is a disorder where you try to keep your weight as low as you can. You may no longer recognise yourself as dangerously underweight, despite being advised that you are. You might be afraid to gain weight.

Such a severe lack of food can result in all sorts of issues such as weakness, hair loss, dizzy spells, loss of focus and concentration, low libido, mood swings, sleep problems and the growth of fine hair over your body. It can go further and affect your internal organs, fertility and digestive system.


Bulimia Nervosa:

Bulimia is a condition where you eat excessively and counteract this by doing something to prevent weight gain – such as vomiting, extreme levels of exercising or taking laxatives or other unprescribed drugs.


Bulimia shows itself with gastric pain, damage to teeth, irregular or no menstrual cycle, sleeping issues, no energy, mood swings, irregular weight changes and marks on the back of your hands where you have forced yourself to be sick.


Binge Eating:

This is an eating disorder where you eat a lot of food in a short space of time. You may not be aware you are doing it as it can create a feeling of disconnect. Binge eating is often to linked to eating large quantities of unhealthy foods.


This will cause you to feel out of control, regretful, emotional and lead to bloating and weight gain. You are most likely to be tired and unfocused.


What should you do to find help?

As a clinical psychologist I can work with you to understand the reasons for the behaviours. We will navigate through to find a way for you to take the steps you need to live a healthy life again.

Treatments include talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). We can work out what is the best way forward for you and agree a plan that will start you on your way to feeling healthier, more energised and in control. It’s not an easy process but supported is always more effective than being unsupported.

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