*DISCLAIMER*: Her Campus GSU is not a licensed nutritionist.
Trigger Warning: Eating Disorders
Since birth, body image has been something slapped in our faces 24/7. It’s continuously pushed in television, movies, social media, ads, etc. We are repeatedly told that being “Thin is in” or “Having muscles are attractive,” but what about the girls who don’t fit a size 2 or what about the guys who are on the slimmer side who don’t have muscles? This type of thinking can be detrimental to both women’s and men’s self-esteem.
What is an Eating Disorder (ED)?
Eating disorders are illnesses in which the person experiences severe disturbances in their eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions.
What is the top known Eating Disorders and their symptoms?
1. Bulimia Nervosa
People with bulimia nervosa binge eat frequently. During these times, sufferers may eat an astounding amount of food in a short time, often consuming thousands of calories that are high in sugars, carbohydrates, and fat. They can eat very rapidly, sometimes gulping down food without even tasting it. People who suffer from bulimia show a lot of physical signs. This can include having calluses on the back of their hands and knuckles due to self-induced vomiting, enamel erosion, cavities, discoloration on the teeth, and frequent trips to the bathroom after meals.
People with anorexia nervosa don’t maintain a normal weight because they refuse to eat enough, often exercise obsessively, and sometimes force themselves to vomit or use laxatives to lose weight. People who suffer from anorexia often find themselves constantly thinking about their weight, the food they eat, the calories in each food, etc. They also always have negative comments about their appearance.
3. Binge Eating Disorder
People with binge eating disorder have episodes of binge eating in which they consume vast quantities of food in a brief period and feel out of control during the binge. Unlike people with bulimia nervosa, they do not try to get rid of the food by inducing vomiting or by using other unsafe practices such as fasting or laxative abuse. People who suffer from binge eating tend to hide food in strange places. They also tend to have feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after one of their binges.
How can I get help?
Don’t think that because you are suffering from these disorders that there’s no hope. There are multiple options for treatment. According to the National Eating Disorder website, treatment generally involves a combination of psychiatric and nutritional counseling and medical/psychiatric monitoring. Even if you have been having a long-standing battle with EDs, there is hope for you too. Eating Disorders should be taken as seriously as any other mental health disease. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or know someone who is, please don’t hesitate to go to your either your doctor or learn more at https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org