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Last Updated: Feb 04, 2020
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Eating Disorder - Know Vital Information About It!

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Dr. Srinivasa Sastry MalladiPsychiatrist • 29 Years Exp.MBBS, MRCPsych (UK), CCST (General Adult Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry)
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There are many people, especially teenagers, who are affected by eating disorders. Eating is important in life, but your life is not all about eating alone. Eating disorders can affect your health and your relationships also. This is a mental illness, in fact, a serious mental illness, but it can definitely be treated. People of any age or sex can be affected by this health issue. It is important to identify it at an early stage and treat it.

Well, there is no clear answer to what the actual cause of eating disorders is. Some recent studies say that it is a range of psychological and biological factors that result in an eating disorder.

Let’s have a look at five interesting facts about eating disorder

FACT #1 Affected people look healthy:
People with eating disorders may look healthy and fit, but when you observe them closely, you will understand that they are extremely sick and need help. Anxiety, loneliness, depression and anger are some mental conditions which you may not be able to see unless you observe them closely.

FACT #2 Eating disorders are of three types:
Eating disorders are classified basically into three types. The first one is called Anorexia Nervosa, which is the fear of becoming fat. The second one is Bulimia Nervosa. This refers to the habit of binge eating followed by self-induced vomit. The last one is Binge Eating disorder, where people eat uncontrollably in just one sitting.

FACT #3 It is a not women disorder:
Eating disorders are seen mostly in women, but this is not a problem faced by just women. Both men and women may be affected by eating disorders. It is common for men and women to feel some kind of pressure when they see unwanted changes in their body shape and size. That can cause eating disorders.

FACT #4 It disturbs the normal life:
The impact of eating disorders can be seen in all aspects of your life like problems in your relationship, problems with your family and friends, your colleagues, your education, your workplace and such similar aspects. Your thoughts and emotions regarding your food and weight issues are going to be constant in case you suffer from eating disorders.

FACT #5 It can be life-threatening:
Eating disorders can lead to suicide. Every year, there are a lot of deaths reported due to eating disorders. Out of so many different kinds of eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa is the most life-threatening. The death rate due to this kind of eating disorder is 12 times higher than the other kinds. People between the age group 15 to 24 attempt suicide.

Eating disorders can be treated and you need to talk to a specialist if you really want to get out of it. Your one step can save your life.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!
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