Eating disorders

There are many types of eating disorders, all characterized by the absolutization of the importance of food or body weight. These are illnesses that create lasting psychological attitudes in the individual toward food and eating in general, as well as complexes about their appearance that reach alarming proportions, manifesting serious physiological symptoms and leading to various complications.

Coping with an eating disorder can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. Anorexia and bulimia are serious mental illnesses that require professional help.

Treatment for eating disorders often involves a combination of therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication. There are various approaches to treating eating disorders, and it may include a combination of these methods. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, hypnosis and hypnotherapy, art therapy, and body-oriented techniques are all possible options.

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Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa typically affects women during their early teenage years. They refuse to eat due to an unrealistic perception of their own weight, which they consider to be overweight. There is a refusal to engage in regular meals, often selecting only a few types of food or consuming minimal amounts—such as one lemon, one apple, and so on. When manifested in severe form, it poses life-threatening risks due to significant weight loss, as well as anxiety, fatigue, weakness, and hair loss.

Bulimia

Bulimia is another type of similar disorder. The individual sometimes binge eats and then purges. The main symptoms include episodes of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives to prevent food absorption. The person’s weight may be normal. Frequent vomiting leads to exhaustion, dental damage, persistent throat irritation, abdominal pain, bloating, and digestive and metabolic disturbances. The abuse of laxatives can disrupt bowel function and cause chronic constipation. The problem also results in deficiencies of nutrients, minerals, and fluids. Bulimia is primarily rooted in complexes about one’s weight and appearance, leading to a constant cycle of „self-punishment.“ Moreover, the individual perceives binge eating as normal, even while striving to lose weight, as they believe that no matter how much they eat, vomiting will help them „get rid of it.“ As a result, they also develop a strong appetite and a significant sense of hunger.

Systemic overeating (hyperphagia)

Binge eating (hyperphagia) is characteristic of all age groups. Those suffering from this problem are often overweight and experience a constant desire to eat, even when they are not hungry. Binge eating is associated with consuming large quantities of food at once, often in a short period of time. The individual cannot control themselves and eats quickly, yet does not feel satisfied.

Orthorexia

Orthorexia is a pathological obsession with eating only healthy food. This obsessive idea can become a disorder when red meats, fish, and other essential food products are avoided, leading to malnutrition. This condition was first described by Dr. Steven Bratman, who practices alternative medicine. His book „Health Food Junkies,“ which discusses orthorexia, became a bestseller. In his book, Bratman presents several questions that reveal the presence of orthorexia, such as „Does your eating differ from that of your loved ones?“