Signs of an Eating Disorder
Eating Disorders (EDs) are not about wanting to lose weight neither they are lifestyle/dietary choices. More so, people with EDs change the way they eat, exercise, behave, think and feel as coping strategies to deal with difficult (often very traumatic) experiences.
These coping strategies lead to physical complications and decompensation of many essential body systems. So…why’s there still thousands of people being turned away from receiving appropriate treatment? It is shocking that only 23% of those with an ED receive the support they need and deserve.
The stigma around EDs, lack of training and understanding amongst primary healthcare professionals have limited the access to treatment to those who are considered not thin or sick enough to receive support. This also hinders people’s access to treatment at an early stage of their illness causing further and often irreversible complications.
To prevent severe complications, the following signs need to be identified and addressed (using an appropriate ED treatment), as soon as possible, regardless of the patient’s BMI:
Heart problems such as arrhythmias are signs telling that the body is digesting part of one’s cardiac muscle, which in turn limits the function of this vital organ
Bone issues are yet another sign the body is reaching out for nutrients found within our body’s most important organs e.g. Calcium from bones
Bad breath originates from starvation whereby interior body parts start decomposing
Skin ageing and hairs loss occurs from an insufficient provision of energy and insufficient hydration which are essential for supporting skin regeneration and hair growth
Infertility results from a loss in one’s reproductive capacity and is again a sign telling the body is lacking the energy and nutrients required to support these systems
Cognitive dysfunction results from a limited supply of energy to sustain brain function, which in turn causes memory loss and difficulties focusing
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t leave it until later and immediately seek professional support, BEAT is a great place to start.