Four Types of Eating Disorders and Their Signs and Symptoms
Obsession with healthy eating is unhealthy. Everything from carbohydrates to fats is required by your body. Restricted eating is unhealthy and can lead to an eating problem unless you follow a nutritionist’s diet plan. Eating disorders can have major consequences on your health and put you at risk of contracting other ailments. Take note of the warning signs and symptoms listed in this article.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by difficulties maintaining body weight, rapid weight loss, and a distorted body image. People who suffer from this eating disorder are frequently obsessed with reducing their calorie intake in whatever way they can. If they eat too much, they take laxatives to get rid of it all because they believe it will make them gain weight. Some signs and symptoms to look out for;
• Obsessed with diet and calories
• Avoiding meals
• Constantly concerned about weight gain
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as acid reflux, constipation, and other gastrointestinal difficulties
• Hair loss, brittle nails, dull & dry hairs due to nutrient inadequacies
• Fainting, fatigue, dizziness due to nutritional shortages
• Poor immunity Hair loss, brittle nails, dull & dry hairs
BULIMIA NERVOSA
Bulimia nervosa is the polar opposite of Anorexia Nervosa, in which persons with the illness are continually eating. They get hungry every now and then, so they continue to binge to satisfy their appetite. However, to make up for the excess calories they’ve consumed, they end up throwing up (vomiting). The following symptoms can be used to diagnose this condition;
• Fear of gaining weight
• Going to the bathroom right after eating food
• Try fad diets for instant weight loss
• Constantly looking in the mirror and checking weight on weighing scale
• Poor immunity
• Gastrointestinal problems like constipation etc.
• Face swollen
• Bloating
BINGE EATING
Binge eating is a relatively new addition to the list of eating disorders. An eating disorder occurs when a person binges eats on a regular basis. However, the person seems unconcerned about this behaviour.
• Eating without a reason or requirement
• Eating excessively or binge eating
ORTHOREXIA
Orthorexia is a eating problem that affects people who are obsessive with eating healthy and nutritious foods. This becomes an obsession, and they may ignore the importance of nutrition in their diet. Although eating healthily is beneficial, there are situations when eating unhealthy might affect your health in unintended ways. Find out whether you have orthorexia by observing these signs and symptoms;
• Narrowing your diet to a single healthy food type
• No eating unhealthy or junk food at all
• Eating salads as your main meal most of the time
• Planning your meals in advance.