Diane McGeachy
Psychologist & Body Image Coach
To learn more about our Online Body Image and Mindful Eating Program click here.
Eating disorders can affect individuals of any gender and often start during childhood or adolescence. If left untreated, these disorders may persist into adulthood and fluctuate in severity depending on life circumstances. Many individuals with eating disorders cope in isolation, keeping their struggles hidden from others.
Disordered eating behaviours range from extreme food restriction to episodes of overeating. Individuals may impose strict rules around food, such as calorie counting, frequent weighing, or obsessing over body weight and shape. Often, self-worth becomes closely tied to achieving an ideal weight.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a severe mental health condition with significant physical health risks. It arises from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and sociocultural factors. Those with anorexia often have an intense fear of gaining weight, severely restrict their food intake, and may have a distorted perception of their body.
Potential Risks of Anorexia Nervosa:
- Anaemia
- Weakened immune system
- Digestive issues
- Loss of menstrual cycles
- Fertility challenges
- Kidney failure
- Osteoporosis
- Cardiac complications
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa can be less apparent as individuals often maintain a normal weight. It involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours, such as purging, excessive exercise, or laxative use. Unlike those with anorexia, individuals with bulimia often experience intense shame about their behaviours.
Potential Risks of Bulimia Nervosa:
- Chronic sore throat
- Digestive and dental problems
- Menstrual irregularities
- Heart complications
- Osteoporosis
Binge Eating Disorder
This disorder affects men and women equally and is characterised by consuming large quantities of food in a short period without compensatory behaviours. Those affected often feel guilt and a lack of control over their eating.
Potential Risks of Binge Eating Disorder:
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic kidney problems
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Previously known as EDNOS, OSFED encompasses significant eating disorder symptoms that do not fit neatly into other categories. Approximately 30% of individuals seeking treatment are diagnosed with OSFED.
Orthorexia
Orthorexia involves an unhealthy obsession with “clean” eating and healthy food, leading to anxiety when such foods are unavailable. While not officially classified as a disorder, orthorexia can significantly impact quality of life.
Causes of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can arise from a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic predisposition
- Perfectionistic or obsessive personality traits
- Societal pressures
- Trauma or bullying
- Body dissatisfaction
Eating Disorders in Specific Groups
Athletes
Athletes in individual sports, particularly those at elite levels, are at higher risk of developing eating disorders. The emphasis on performance and appearance can exacerbate disordered eating and body image concerns, especially in sports such as gymnastics, wrestling, and figure skating.
Men
While eating disorders are often associated with women, they also affect men. In Australia, one in three individuals with an eating disorder is male, and 40% of those with binge eating disorder are men. Due to stigma, men may be less likely to seek treatment, leading to underdiagnosis.
Recovery and Treatment
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible with the right support. Effective treatment often includes approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Family-Based Therapy, and more. Recovery typically involves a team of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nutritionists, and other specialists.
Complementary therapies, such as yoga, mindfulness, and acupuncture, may also support the recovery process. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or food-related challenges, reaching out to a psychologist or counsellor is a crucial first step.
To book an appointment with Diane McGeachy, please contact us today.
Diane McGeachy
Psychologist & Body Image Coach
Email: enquiries@bodyimageprogram.com
RESOURCES
Butterfly Foundation
NEDC