Los eating disorders They are serious conditions that affect both physical and emotional health. These diseases are characterized by extreme eating behaviors and an obsession with body shape, weight or appearance, which negatively impact quality of life.
More specifically, eating disorders are mental disorders characterized by abnormal and often unhealthy eating behaviors. These behaviors may include extreme food restriction, episodes of overeating, or compulsive exercise patterns. Eating disorders are complex conditions that can lead to serious consequences, including heart, bone, digestive problems and, in the most serious cases, death.
Types of eating disorders
There are several types of eating disorders recognized and each has specific characteristics. Among the most common are:
1. Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme restriction of calorie intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of one’s body. People with anorexia nervosa often see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously thin.
Symptoms:
- Extreme weight loss
- Obsession with food, weight and calories
- Restrictive dietary practices
- Body image distortion
- Absence of menstruation in women (amenorrhea)
Risks:
- Anemia, damage to vital organs, osteoporosis and heart problems.
2. Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of excessive food intake, followed by purging behaviors to “compensate” for food consumption, such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, or extreme exercise. Unlike anorexia, bulimic people usually maintain an average body weight.
Symptoms:
- Binge eating episodes (eating large amounts of food in a short time)
- Recurring deletion behaviors
- Shame and guilt after the episodes
- Constant worry about weight
Risks:
- Damage to the esophagus, dental problems, electrolyte imbalances and risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
3. Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder is one of the most common and is characterized by frequent episodes of excessive food intake without purging behavior. These episodes are often accompanied by feelings of loss of control, shame or guilt.
Symptoms:
- Eating too much in a short period of time, even when you are not hungry
- Eating in secret
- Feelings of distress or shame after binge eating episodes
- Body weight fluctuations
Risks:
- Obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart problems.