Eating Disorders

​Symptoms

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• Bulimia nervosa: lack of control when eating and not eating during the day.

• Anorexia nervosa: the use of extreme methods to control weight and body shape, including self-starvation.

• Binge-eating disorder: lack of control when eating even when you are uncomfortable full, and feel guilty after.

• Food intake avoidance: eating too little or no food for periods longer than 24 hours consistently.

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Causes

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• Starting a new diet with no appropriate guidance.

• Not eating your meals regularly.

• Making nutrient-unbalanced meals.

• Social isolation.

• Focus too much on your body shape.

• Constantly worry about your body weight.

• Overuse of supplements for weight loss.

• Continually overeating junk foods.

• Eating in secret.

• Depression.

• Induce vomiting.

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Risk Factors

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You are more prone to develop allergies when:

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• You have a family history of eating disorders. This hereditary factor gives you a higher risk of developing eating disorders.

• Starting a new diet. This impact the way your brain function and how to make safe eating decisions.

• Having prior mental conditions like depression, compulsive disorders, and anxiety.

• Too much stress

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Complications

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• Deep depression and anxiety.

• Chronic health diseases.

• The feeling of being alone.

• Thinking of suicide often.

• Social separation and relationship problems.

• Issues at school or work.

• Some close to you recently died.

• Self-seeing as failure.

• Substance abuse disorders.

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Prevention

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• Encourage healthy and balanced eating for your children; do not teach them to diet. Instead, encourage sports and physical activity with other children.

• Talk to your children about the importance of healthy eating.

• Look for changes in your children's behavior after they return from school and reassure them that their bodies are prone to change as they grow.

• Speak with your family doctor.​

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Supplements and Vitamins for Eating Disorders

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Supplements and vitamins can play an important role in supporting individuals with eating disorders, but they should never replace professional medical treatment or therapy. People with eating disorders often struggle to get the necessary nutrients from food alone, leading to deficiencies. Here’s an overview of common supplements and vitamins.

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• Multivitamins: They provide a broad spectrum of nutrients that might be missing due to restricted eating. This can help with general deficiencies. Considerations: A high-quality, balanced multivitamin is often recommended.

• Vitamin D: Individuals with eating disorders might have low bone density, and vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): Are important for brain function, mood regulation, and reducing inflammation.

• Calcium and Magnesium: Eating disorders like anorexia can cause bone density loss. Calcium and magnesium help with bone health, muscle function, and nerve health.

• B-Complex Vitamins: Especially B12 and Folate are important for energy production and maintaining nerve function. Deficiencies can lead to fatigue, mood disturbances, and neurological issues.

• Iron: Deficiency is common in eating disorders, especially with restrictive diets or irregular eating patterns. Iron is important for preventing anemia, which can lead to fatigue and weakness.

• Zinc: Supports immune function, wound healing, and cell growth. It’s also involved in taste and smell.

• Probiotics: These can help with digestive health and improve gut function, especially after periods of disordered eating.

 

When to See a Doctor

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• Severe Nutrient Deficiencies: If you're noticing significant signs of deficiency (e.g., hair loss, brittle nails, extreme fatigue, pale skin), it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately. Blood tests can identify specific deficiencies, and a doctor can guide treatment.

• Mental Health Concerns: Eating disorders often come with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts. If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, extreme mood swings, or difficulty functioning in daily life, seek a doctor’s help or a therapist specializing in eating disorders.

• Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Symptoms like dizziness, fainting, severe constipation, irregular heart rate, or muscle cramps can be signs of an eating disorder’s impact on the body. These symptoms should be taken seriously and prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.

• Failure to Improve Despite Supplementation: If someone is taking supplements but still experiences health challenges or does not feel better, it could indicate a need for further medical evaluation. Proper medical management for an eating disorder often includes counseling, nutritional therapy, and possibly medication.

• When Weight and Eating Patterns Are Severely Disrupted: If weight loss becomes extreme or eating habits become increasingly disordered (e.g., bingeing, purging, restricting), it’s critical to seek help from an eating disorder specialist, such as a therapist, dietitian, or medical professional.

• Unintentional Weight Loss or Weight Gain: If someone is unable to manage their weight on their own, especially with unhealthy methods (e.g., purging, excessive exercising, or severe restriction), they should see a doctor or counselor specializing in eating disorders.

• Intervention for Family or Friends: If you’re concerned about a loved one’s eating behaviors, encourage them to see a healthcare professional. Sometimes, intervention from close friends or family is necessary to address an eating disorder before it becomes more severe.