How Do Eating Disorders Effect Mental Health?

Dealing with eating issues can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your struggle. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or background, and can have significant consequences on both physical and mental health.

Whether you’re struggling with emotional eating, body image concerns, or an eating disorder, taking the first step towards seeking help is a courageous and an important move.

Recovery is a journey, and every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what eating disorders are, how it might be impacting your mental health, and most importantly, what you can do about it.

Prevalence of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are more common than many people realize. It’s estimated that 28.8 million Americans and 70 million people worldwide have an eating disorder.

These disorders aren’t just a phase or lifestyle choice; they are complex mental health conditions with significant physical and psychological effects.

They develop from a complex interplay of various factors, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences.

The 3 Most Well-Known Eating Disorders

Eating disorders come in a variety forms, each with distinct characteristics and behaviors. Understanding the different types can help in recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate help.

There are three common types of eating disorders:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge-Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia often see themselves as overweight, even when they are underweight.

This disorder involves restrictive eating patterns, excessive exercise, and severe calorie restriction. The relentless pursuit of thinness can lead to serious health problems, including malnutrition, heart issues, and bone density loss.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives. People with bulimia often feel a loss of control during binge episodes and subsequently experience feelings of shame and guilt.

The dangers of bulimia nervosa are significant and can impact both physical and mental health. Physically, the disorder can lead to electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and severe dental issues due to frequent vomiting.

Long-term effects include heart complications, chronic sore throat, and digestive system damage. Mentally, bulimia is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame and guilt, which can further complicate the individual’s overall well-being and hinder recovery.

Binge-Eating Disorder

Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period. Unlike bulimia, people with binge-eating disorder do not regularly attempt to offset their overeating with behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise.

Symptoms include eating rapidly, eating when not hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, and feeling distressed or guilty after binging. This disorder can lead to obesity and associated health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Other Types of Eating Disorders We Can Help With

• Orthorexia
• Drunkorexia
• ARFID
• Diabulemia
• Excessive Exercise

Our team at J Lewis Therapy has years of experience helping people identify what eating disorder they are struggling with, so we can help tailor an approach that works best for your unique needs.

The development of eating disorders is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Biological Factors

Biological factors play a significant role in the development of eating disorders. Family history and genetic predisposition can increase your risk. Specific genes, such as the serotonin transporter gene and DF1153721 locus, have been linked to these disorders.

Underlying physical health issues and brain chemistry imbalances can also contribute to the onset of eating disorders.

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors can also contribute to eating disorders. Extreme body dissatisfaction, obsessive thoughts about food and weight, social withdrawal, and feelings of shame and guilt are common.

Many people with eating disorders also experience depressive or anxious symptoms and behaviors, which can exacerbate the disorder and make recovery more challenging.

Sociocultural Factors

Sociocultural factors, including media portrayal of body ideals and societal norms that prioritize physical appearance, play a critical role in the development and perpetuation of eating disorders.

Social media platforms often promote harmful dietary practices and unrealistic body standards. Misinformation and unscientific health claims can further exacerbate the issue, leading to disorders like orthorexia, where individuals become obsessed with eating healthily to an extreme.

No matter what eating disorder you are struggling with or what the root causes may be, you have options that will help you take control of your well-being.

The Effects of Eating Disorders on Your Mental Health

The relationship between eating disorders and mental health conditions is intricate and significant.

Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and even kleptomania. These co-occurring disorders can increase the severity of eating disorder symptoms and complicate treatment.

People with eating disorders may experience heightened emotional distress, difficulties in daily functioning, and an overall decline in mental well-being.

Eating disorders are complex, multifaceted conditions that profoundly affect both physical and mental health. Understanding the different types, causes, and effects of these disorders is essential in recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer individual and eating disorder group therapy. With the right support and treatment, together we can work towards a healthier, happier future.

Common Questions and Answers About Eating Disorders

What are the first signs of an eating disorder?

Early signs of an eating disorder can include preoccupation with food, weight, and body shape, drastic weight loss or gain, and changes in eating habits, such as skipping meals or avoiding certain food groups.

How can eating disorders be treated?

Treatment often involves a combination of therapy, medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to address the underlying thought patterns and behaviors. Psychodynamic and long term interpersonal work is however, the key, to truly changing patterns of behavior, unearthing trauma, and changing your relationships with food and body.

Can eating disorders be prevented?

While not all eating disorders can be prevented, promoting a healthy relationship with food and body image from a young age, challenging societal norms about body ideals, and fostering a supportive environment can reduce the risk. 

How do I support a loved one with an eating disorder?

 Offer non-judgmental support, encourage them to seek professional help, educate yourself about eating disorders, and avoid making comments about their appearance or eating habits.

Jill Lewis

Jill Lewis MA, LCSW, CGP, and current fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Jill brings all parts of herself to her practice. She’s authentic, genuine, attentive, attuned, and works to be perceptive in every interaction with her clients. She challenges and gently encourages her clients who are struggling but also willing to put the work in for a brighter future.