Eating disorders refer to a set of conditions which can affect anyone at any age, and result in a severe disturbance in eating patterns. The Department of Health estimates that up to 200,000 people in Ireland may be affected by eating disorders, and the numbers are increasing year on year.
There are three classifications of eating disorder, although an individual may display symptoms which fall into more than one classification:
Anorexia Nervosa - the person will make efforts to maintain a below normal body weight through dieting and purging (vomiting, over-exercising, laxative abuse).
Bulimia Nervosa - the person engages in binge-eating, and then compensate by purging. Bulimia sufferers normally maintain a normal body weight making it difficult to identify.
Binge Eating - repeated episodes of binge eating. This can result in excessive weight gain (although this is not always the case).
Some Indicators that a Person has an Eating Disorder
- Excessive dieting
- Low self-esteem - though this may not be obvious, as people who develop eating disorders are often ‘high achievers’
- Over-concerned with body shape, weight and size
- Obsession with food
- See thinness as a magic solution
- Difficulty in identifying or expressing their needs
- Distorted body image
- Wont talk about their feelings and cannot cope with conflict
- Depression
- Mood swings/irritability
Causes of Eating Disorders
There is no singular cause of eating disorders - socio-cultural situations, family situations, biological factors, and psychological factors can all be triggers. The disorder can be triggered by a traumatic event, or can build up over time. Identity, control, self-worth and depression can all be part of the disorder.
It is important to remember the eating disorders are a serious mental health issue, and should be treated as such. They can result in serious health consequences including severe dehydration, slower heart rate, heart and kidney problems or even failure, osteoporosis, digestive problems, irregular periods, tooth decay, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc.
The following video was produced by the Headliners website, a charity dedicated to helping young people develop and express themselves through journalism. It gives a moving account from two teenagers who battle with eating disorders:
Getting Help and Further Information
Bodywhys is a voluntary organisation aimed at helping those with an eating disorder, as well as providing support, advise, and resources to families, friends, teachers, youth workers etc. The have support groups, run education programmes in schools, and have a helpline (1890 200 444) which is open for 2 hours each day (further helpline information)