Eating disorders can be serious and life-threatening. They affect as much as 9% of the global population, with women, adolescents, and LGBTQ people being the most susceptible. An eating disorder is a mental health condition in which a person uses food or develops harmful eating habits to help them deal with their emotions.
Contents
Recognising the Signs of Eating Disorders
While many people associate eating disorders with being underweight, only 6% of all sufferers are classified as underweight.
Restricting food, constantly worrying about your body weight, binging, emotional eating, devouring food to the point where you feel sick or vomit, taking laxatives or vomiting on purpose, overexercising as a punishment for eating, and eliminating entire food groups without any medical justification are also classified as eating disorders.
Eating disorders can cause malnourishment, problems with the stomach and digestive tract, and in severe cases, can lead to suicide and other types of self-harm. In this article, we will take you through the most common eating disorders and share ideas about how to find help if you or someone you know is suffering from an ED.
The most common eating disorders are:
- Anorexia nervosa,
- Bulimia nervosa,
- Emotional eating,
- Rumination disorder.
The Impact of Eating Disorders on Women’s Hormonal Balance and Menstrual Cycle
Did you know that eating disorders can mess with more than just your mind? These serious conditions, affecting up to 9% of people worldwide, can affect on your hormonal balance and menstrual cycle. To feel confident, you can keep track of your periods with the online menstrual calendar.
Your hormones have a big role to play in your body, including keeping your menstrual cycle in check. But when you’re dealing with an eating disorder, it can throw your hormones out of whack and cause some serious issues for your reproductive health.
If you’re severely restricting your food or working out excessively due to an eating disorder, you might experience something called “amenorrhea”. When your body doesn’t get enough fuel, it starts prioritizing important functions and might shut down your reproductive system. Missing periods for a while can have long-term consequences like weaker bones and trouble getting pregnant.
Eating disorders can make your menstrual cycle go haywire. Your periods might become unpredictable, with irregular timing, longer or shorter cycles, or heavy bleeding.
The hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies can amplify your premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, leading to mood swings, irritability, and bloating that are off the charts.
Your Guide to Recovery and Regaining Control
Dealing with an eating disorder can be an incredibly challenging and overwhelming experience. However, it’s important to know that recovery is possible. With the right support and strategies, you can regain control of your life and develop a healthy relationship with food and your body.
The first step towards recovery is acknowledging that you have an eating disorder. It takes courage to confront the issue, but understanding that you need help is a crucial starting point. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional who can provide support and guidance.
Work with a registered dietitian to develop a balanced meal plan that meets your nutritional needs. Focus on nourishing your body with a variety of wholesome foods. Avoid restrictive diets and aim for moderation and mindful eating. Learning to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues is essential for establishing a healthier relationship with food.
Recovery is a gradual process, and every step forward is worth celebrating. Recognize and acknowledge your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Each healthy choice and positive change brings you closer to a life free from the grip of an eating disorder.