Eating is an instinctive behavior that is easily affected by one’s psychological, social, and cultural environment. I would say that it is hard to find someone nowadays who eats with the sole purpose of nourishing the body. Yes, we still eat to fuel ourselves, but we also eat to celebrate special occasions or when we are feeling the blues, for instance. Another example of how external factors can influence our eating behaviors is the current “diet mentality.” The constant exposure to society’s stereotype of the “ideal body” creates the illusion that thinness will bring happiness, love, and success. In the name of “health,” many people end up engaging in unhealthy eating practices. Unfortunately, this social pressure may ultimately lead to pathological weight-control measures, fear of becoming fat, and distorted body image.
Disordered eating is defined as “mild or short-term changes in eating patterns[1].” This may mean overeating at a dinner party, gorging on a whole pie in response to stress, or adhering to a new fad diet. Because these changes are unlikely to be sustained over time, they rarely require professional intervention. However, if the pattern becomes recurrent or starts to interfere with daily activities, you may be developing an eating disorder.
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa involve physiological, emotional, and cognitive changes that lead to distorted body image, food restriction, binge eating, purging and other compensatory behaviors, and fluctuation in weight. It is estimated that 24 million Americans suffer from eating disorders[2]. It is most common among females, especially during adolescence and early adulthood. Chronic dieters and figure athletes (dancers, skaters and gymnasts) are at increased risk.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by considerable weight-loss, distorted body image, and intense fear of gaining weight. This leads to self-starvation practices and refusal to maintain a healthy body weight. Because of the lack of nutrient intake, the body ends up using muscle and fat for energy. This is usually accompanied by amenorrhea (stop of menstruation), intolerance to cold, growth of hair on the body, lowered blood pressure and metabolic rate, anemia, sleep disturbance, and depression. As the condition advances, there is an increased risk of permanent brain damage, chronic debilitation, and death.
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics and other drugs, fasting, or excessive exercise. People with bulimia usually follow rigid dietary restraints because of the fear of being fat. However, they occasionally break their own rigid rules by ingesting large portions of high-calorie foods. These episodes are typically followed by feelings of guilt and shame which culminate in purging practices. Extreme cases may result in stomach and esophagus lacerations, teeth erosion, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition.
Another type of eating disorder is the binge eating disorder in which the person also presents episodes of binge eating. However, these episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviors. This condition generally creates feelings of disgust, embarrassment, guilt and depression.
Remember that eating disorders are serious conditions that require complex treatment. In extreme cases, it may require hospitalization in order to reestablish emotional and nutritional health. Because treatment is difficult, prevention is still the safest approach. You can do your part by:
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle (through regular physical activities and balanced diet)
- avoiding quick-fix weight-loss practices (such as crash diets and fasting)
- focusing on fitness and health rather than thinness
- creating a healthful relationship with food (not labeling foods as good or bad, for example)
- practicing body acceptance
In addition, watch for these warning signs: severe dieting, extreme preoccupation with weight, food, calories and diet, excessive exercise, dramatic weight-loss, fear of fatness, and intense concern about appearance. If you notice that you are going too far to improve your looks, seek professional help.
References
Boyle, M. and Long, S. Personal Nutrition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. 2010.
Wardlaw, G. and Smith, A. Contemporary Nutrition. New York: McGraw-Hill. 2009.
[1] Wardlaw, G. and Smith, A. Contemporary Nutrition. New York: McGraw-Hill. 2009.