FACTS

• Eating disorders can affect individuals of any age, gender, or background. They are not limited to a specific demographic group.

• Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. It is crucial to seek early intervention and proper treatment.

• Social media can influence the development and exacerbation of eating disorders, as unrealistic beauty standards and harmful comparisons are prevalent online.

• Eating disorders are not solely about food and body image; they often stem from complex psychological, emotional, and societal factors.

• Recovery from an eating disorder is possible with the right support, treatment, and commitment to self-care.

CAUSES

• Genetic predisposition: Certain individuals may have a genetic vulnerability to developing an eating disorder, as it can run in families.

• Psychological factors: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and a distorted body image can contribute to the development of an eating disorder.

• Environmental factors: Societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, cultural influences, and experiences of trauma or abuse can play a role in triggering eating disorders.

• Dieting and weight-focused culture: Constant dieting, extreme weight loss goals, and an obsession with thinness can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.

• Co-occurring mental health conditions: Eating disorders often coexist with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SYMPTOMS

• Drastic changes in weight (significant weight loss or gain) within a short period.

• Obsession with food, calories, and body weight.

• Distorted body image or a preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance.

• Restrictive eating patterns, such as avoiding certain food groups or severely limiting food intake.

• Engagement in excessive exercise or compulsive behaviors related to food, such as binge eating or purging.

THERAPY USED

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps individuals identify and challenge unhealthy thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. It focuses on developing coping skills and establishing a healthy relationship with food.

• Family-based treatment (FBT): Particularly effective for adolescents, FBT involves the family in the treatment process, helping to restore normal eating patterns and address underlying family dynamics.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This therapy combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals manage intense emotions, regulate eating behaviors, and develop healthy coping strategies.

• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): IPT focuses on addressing interpersonal difficulties and relationship issues that may contribute to the development or maintenance of an eating disorder.

• Nutritional counselling and meal planning: Working with a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders can help individuals establish a balanced and healthy relationship with food, create meal plans, and overcome fear foods or eating challenges.