Eating disorders affect your physical and emotional health and can be life-threatening. The symptoms of eating disorders look and feel different for each person and vary based on the type. You may count calories or limit how much and what types of foods you eat. You may eat large amounts of food, eat non-food items or throw up after eating. Eating may make you feel guilty or shameful instead of satisfied. ...
Read about different types of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Find out about the possible causes and treatments.
Eating disorders are complicated illnesses caused by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Learn about common risk factors.
What causes eating disorders? · The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. However, many doctors believe that a combination of genetic, physical, social, and psychological factors may contribute to the development of an eating disorder. For instance, research suggests that serotonin may influence eating behaviors. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that regulates mood, learning, and sleep, as well as other functions. Societal pressure can also contribute to eating disorders. Success and personal worth are often equated with ...
What Are Eating Disorders? · What Causes Eating Disorders in Teens? · What Are Symptoms of Eating Disorders in Teens? · How Are Eating Disorders in Teens Treated?
The key facts · What are eating disorders? · What are the different types of eating disorders? · How are eating disorders diagnosed? · What causes eating disorders? · What should I do if I think I have an eating disorder? · What treatment should I be offered? · What if I am not happy with my care or treatment? · Can I be detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act? · What are the risks and complications of eating disorders? · Information for carers, friends, and relatives · Useful contacts · Is this information accessible?
The generalization that eating disorders mostly affect young, white, well-to-do females doesn’t always match up with reality. “Eating disorders are found across all age groups, social classes, gender, sizes, education levels, races, and ethnicities,” says , an associate professor in the School of Public Health at the University at Albany in New York, and the first author of a large-scale study on the prevalence of eating disorders.[ · Indeed, stereotypes about who is affected by eating d...
Eating disorders in teens or young adults can cause serious health problems that can become life-threatening if untreated.
Psychological factors that can contribute to eating disorders include: Low self-esteem. Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life. Depression, anxiety, anger or loneliness. A quest for perfection.
Eating Disorders Victoria provides information on what is an eating disorder including warning signs, classifying eating disorders and risk factors.