Modern-day society brings a lot of pressure with it, and, sadly, many suffer greatly in attempts to keep up with unrealistic standards such as those depicted in magazines or on social media.
But when does dieting turn into something more sinister and unhealthier like an eating disorder? A therapist can help you identify any harmful and unhealthy eating patterns and address them effectively.
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What Is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is a condition in which your eating behavior becomes disturbed. There are different types of eating disorders. Some lead to weight gain or weight loss, while others are not visible, or barely visible, from the outside.
The causes can also vary greatly, which makes the problem difficult to fully understand. However, it is important to address it in time, as an eating disorder can develop into a serious psychological condition with severe physical consequences.
Types of Eating Disorders
Every eating disorder involves a distorted body image and a fear of gaining weight. These issues can have various psychological causes and can manifest in different ways. Below, we discuss the most common eating disorders.
Anorexia Nervosa
If you have anorexia nervosa, you are obsessed with losing weight. You set yourself an unhealthily low target weight and almost always feel too fat, even when you are underweight. The fear of gaining weight can lead to eating very little, exercising excessively, deliberately vomiting, or using laxatives.
A lack of nutrients can cause physical symptoms such as cold hands and feet, nausea, dehydration, and hair loss. These symptoms can worsen over time. Anorexia nervosa often stems from a need for control, but it can also be a form of comfort or a way to cope with emotions.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating. During a binge, it is often impossible to stop eating until all the food is gone. This urge can stem from loneliness, boredom, or an attempt to suppress emotions such as anger, sadness, or disappointment. Past trauma or negative events can also play a role.
Because of the fear of gaining weight, binge eating is often followed by compensatory behaviors like excessive exercise, vomiting, or taking laxatives. Sometimes, periods of binge eating alternate with periods of eating very little.
As a result, many people with bulimia nervosa maintain a normal weight, though the disorder can still cause internal damage, such as stomach issues or a damaged esophagus.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
BED is similar to bulimia nervosa in that it also involves binge eating. The difference is that with BED, there is no compensatory behavior afterward. Because of this, people with BED are often overweight or obese.
Binge eating is frequently used as a way to cope with tension or stress. Over time, BED can lead to physical health problems related to obesity, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.
Orthorexia Nervosa
Orthorexia nervosa is characterized by an obsession with eating responsibly and healthily. This can become so extreme that you develop a fear of eating foods you consider “unhealthy.” Often, the list of acceptable foods becomes very limited, which can lead to malnutrition, underweight, and related physical health issues.
How Does One Get an Eating Disorder?
Various things can cause an eating disorder. This can range from bullying, general societal expectations, and low self-esteem to psychological disorders such as OCD and body dysmorphia. However, it’s important to note that there are also different types of eating disorders:
- Anorexia (you don’t eat a lot, if anything at all, aka “juicing” all the time).
- Bulimia (You use medication or other methods to make yourself throw up or have a bowel movement after every snack/meal).
- Binge-eating (You practically starve yourself for days only to devour multiple meals, dessert, etc., all in one sitting).
When Is It an Eating Disorder?
There are a few tell-tale signs that may suggest that you’re suffering from an eating disorder. One sign is dramatic and extremely rapid weight loss (or gain). You may become aware that thoughts about food and your weight have begun to consume your mind, making it difficult to focus on anything else.
When challenges or inner conflict regarding your weight begin to impact your daily life, it’s also time to sit up and take notice. For example, you may feel lethargic, which makes it practically impossible to be productive at work. Or you’re avoiding social situations, such as dinners with friends.
Mental and Physical Consequences
Physical consequences may also arise, such as injuries from excessive exercise or dizziness upon standing due to malnutrition. These are all warning signs that should be taken extremely seriously.
Other critical signs include vomiting after every meal or excessive laxative usage (definitely not in line with its prescribed usage). Problems with your digestion and skipping menstrual periods can also indicate serious health issues related to an eating disorder. Experiencing severe mood swings is another important red flag that tends to accompany eating disorders.
Symptoms to Watch For
You may be dealing with an eating disorder if you experience:
- Rapid and extreme weight loss or gain.
- Obsessive thoughts about food, weight, or body shape.
- Avoidance of social situations involving food.
- Physical symptoms like dizziness, digestive issues, or missed periods.
- Frequent vomiting or misuse of laxatives.
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression linked to eating habits.
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How an Eating Disorder Is Treated
Therapy for eating disorders can be tricky since you’re sitting with both a physiological and psychological problem that needs to be addressed. Therefore, treatment can include medication, nutritional education, nutritional diets, talk therapy, CBT, ACT, mindfulness practices, self-care recommendations, and much more. In extreme cases, a hospital stay may be necessary for 24/7 medical monitoring.
Most of these treatment methods focus on stabilizing your physiology as well as identifying what’s causing your eating disorder, addressing these causes, and equipping you with tools and skills to better deal with your eating habits, weight, and how you perceive yourself.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
An eating disorder rarely goes away on its own, as it is often rooted in underlying psychological issues. These issues vary from person to person and therefore require individualized treatment.
Through cognitive behavioral therapy, a therapist can help you identify the causes of your eating problems. You then learn to recognize and change thought patterns, giving you better control over your eating disorder.
The Difference That Online Therapy Can Make
Eating disorders can lead to extreme fatigue, making physical movement difficult. Therefore, online therapy is a great way to receive the support you need without adding to your stress and strain.
Since addressing eating disorders ultimately leads to improvements in both physical and psychological health, you’ll often find that it results in increased energy levels and productivity.
Is It Affecting Your Social Life?
Eating disorders also often cause people to avoid social situations involving food, so addressing your disorder through therapy can ultimately help you reconnect with friends and family, significantly improving these relationships.
You’ll also find that the distorted self-image you may have held for a long time will begin to fade, allowing you to appreciate your true self, leading to a self-confidence boost.
Of course, your eating disorder could also have an underlying trauma to it, which may be affecting your life in other areas as well. Online therapy helps you process these traumatic past experiences, helping you achieve deeper healing and lasting positive change.
Benefits of Online Therapy Sessions
Eating disorders are a very sensitive issue. Therefore, you can rest assured that all online therapy sessions at Global Online Therapy occur via encrypted video calls, ensuring security, privacy, and confidentiality. With no waiting lists and 24/7 availability, irrespective of time zone, you can also get the help you need when you need it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can take place online. If you find it difficult or uncomfortable to seek help in person and prefer the familiar surroundings of your own home, online help is the ideal solution.
✓ Flexible and Accessible
We offer sessions 24/7, across all time zones, so you can access help when you need it most. There are no waiting lists, subscription fees, or long-term contracts, you pay per session and start with a free introduction to find your ideal therapist.
✓ Safe and Confidential
Your privacy is our priority. All sessions take place via encrypted video conferencing, ensuring a secure environment where you can speak openly and honestly. This safe space allows for deep emotional work without fear of judgment.
Take the First Step Toward Reclaiming Your Health
Are you an expat living abroad? Global Online Therapy offers the possibility of therapy in your own language and time zone. Based on an introductory meeting, we will match you with the therapist who best suits you. They will create an individual treatment plan, allowing you to work on your specific symptoms at your own pace.
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If your questions are payment-related, you may already find the answers on our costs and reimbursements pages. If not, we’ll also be happy to assist with that as well.
FAQ About Eating Disorders:
No. Any unhealthy relationship with food that’s impacting your daily life can be an eating disorder. This also includes binge eating, which can result in significant weight gain.
Yes. Eating disorders are not based on gender, although females tend to struggle with them more.
Not necessarily. Hospitalizations will occur on a case-by-case basis, depending on the severity of the symptoms (both physiological and psychological).