Eating Disorders

One of the most pressing issues facing today’s youth is the rising incidence of eating disorders. Eating disorders don’t discriminate; they affect all genders, all races and every ethnic group. Anorexia, bulimia, and other disorders are characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food and body image.

Eating disorders often develop during adolescence, when young people are under immense pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty. Over 90% of individuals with eating problems are between the ages 12 and 25. For many people suffering from eating disorders, the drive to be thin becomes all-consuming, leading to dangerous weight loss and other health problems.

Eating disorders can have a profound impact on every aspect of a young person’s life, from their physical health to their emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are treatments and services available that can help youth recover and lead healthy lives.

Types of Eating Disorders

There are three main types of eating disorders:

• Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restrictive eating and an intense fear of gaining weight. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight, even when they are underweight. Anorexia nervosa can lead to serious health problems, including malnutrition, organ damage, and even death.

• Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating followed by purging. Individuals with bulimia nervosa often feel out of control when they are eating and engage in purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise, to counteract the effects of the binge. Bulimia nervosa can also lead to serious health problems, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and tooth decay.

• Binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes of overeating followed by feelings of shame, guilt, or distress. Individuals with binge eating disorder often eat large amounts of food in a short period of time and feel that they cannot control their eating. Binge eating disorder can lead to obesity and other physical health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Causes of Eating Disorders

There is no single cause of eating disorders. Rather, they are the result of a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors.

• Genetic factors: Eating disorders tend to run in families, which suggests that they may have a genetic component.

• Biological factors: Changes in brain chemistry may play a role in the development of eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders often have abnormalities in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.

• Psychological factors: A variety of psychological factors may contribute to the development of eating disorders, including low self-esteem, perfectionism, and a need for control.

• Social factors: The pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty can be a major contributing factor to the development of eating disorders. In our culture, thinness is often equated with beauty, success, and worthiness. This pressure can be especially intense for adolescents, who are bombarded with images of impossibly thin models and celebrities.

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

People with eating disorders often have difficulty recognizing or acknowledging that they have a problem. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that may suggest someone has an eating disorder.

These signs and symptoms include:

– obsessively counting calories or tracking food intake

– regularly dieting, even though weight is not a problem

– frequently making comments about being “fat” or “too big”

– extreme concern with body weight or appearance

– engaging in excessive exercise

– vomiting or using laxatives to purge after eating

– secretive behavior around food, such as hiding snacks or eating in secrecy

– avoidance of social situations that involve food

– frequently skipping meals

– extreme fluctuations in weight

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it is important to seek help. Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that require treatment. With the right support, individuals with eating disorders can recover and lead healthy lives.

Treatment for Eating Disorders

There are several different types of eating disorders, and each one requires unique treatment. But in general, most eating disorders are treated with a combination of therapy, medication, and nutrition counseling. 

Therapy can help individuals with eating disorders explore the underlying causes of their condition and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Medication can be used to treat some of the symptoms of eating disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Nutrition counseling can help individuals with eating disorders develop healthier relationships with food and their bodies.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seek professional help. Your local care management organization (CMO) can provide support services and help connect you with the resources you need to get treatment.
The Child Family Team Process is used by CMOs in New Jersey to implement a Wraparound Model. The Wraparound Approach is a team-based planning approach that involves individuals from various parts of a family’s life to help families achieve their goals while meeting the unique needs of each child. With the right support, eating disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible.

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