Eating disorders
An eating disorder is a mental health problem in which a person's attitude towards food, weight or body image is disturbed.
An eating disorder can manifest itself in excessive concern about eating or appearance and can affect daily life, health and well-being.
Eating disorders are not simply a matter of "being picky" or "a question of willpower." They are serious medical conditions that require attention and often treatment.
An eating disorder can manifest itself in excessive concern about eating or appearance and can affect daily life, health and well-being.
Eating disorders are not simply a matter of "being picky" or "a question of willpower." They are serious medical conditions that require attention and often treatment.
What can cause eating disorders?
- Low self-esteem, the desire to be "perfect";
- social pressure and body image ideals (including the media);
- previous mental health issues—such as anxiety, depression, trauma;
- family relationship patterns or critical comments about appearance;
- biological and genetic influences.
What can cause eating disorders?
- Low self-esteem, the desire to be "perfect";
- social pressure and body image ideals (including the media);
- previous mental health issues—such as anxiety, depression, trauma;
- family relationship patterns or critical comments about appearance;
- biological and genetic influences.
The most common eating disorders
Anorexia – severely restricted eating and significant weight loss, intense fear of gaining weight.
Bulimia – binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise.
Binge eating disorder – repeated uncontrolled binge eating without compensatory behavior (e.g., vomiting).
Orthorexia – an obsession with "healthy" eating, which can lead to restrictions and social withdrawal.
The most common eating disorders
Anorexia – severely restricted eating and significant weight loss, intense fear of gaining weight.
Bulimia – binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise.
Binge eating disorder – repeated uncontrolled binge eating without compensatory behavior (e.g., vomiting).
Orthorexia – an obsession with "healthy" eating, which can lead to restrictions and social withdrawal.
How can I tell if I (or someone close to me) have an eating disorder?
Eating disorders can develop unnoticed and hidden. They are often accompanied by feelings of shame or guilt, which prevent people from talking about them or seeking help. Loved ones, especially parents, may notice that something is different, but they may not always associate it with an eating disorder.
Signs to look out for:
Changes related to eating and body image
- Extreme restriction of food intake or complete avoidance of food groups (e.g., carbohydrates, fats).
- An obsession with "healthy eating" that becomes controlling—for example, eating only at certain times of the day or only "allowed" foods.
- Avoiding eating with the family, e.g., often saying "I've already eaten," "I'm not hungry," "I'll eat later."
- Secretly hiding food (in the case of overeating) or frequent trips to the bathroom immediately after eating (bulimia).
- Binge eating followed by feelings of guilt or a desire to "make up for it" (e.g., exercise, vomiting, fasting).
- Constant use of food diaries or calorie apps, often in secret.
Behavioral and external signs
- Loose or layered clothing that hides the body shape (even in summer). This may be to cover up weight changes or feelings of shame about the body.
- Standing in front of the mirror and "checking" the body (e.g., sucking in the stomach, weighing oneself several times a day).
- Difficulty concentrating, fatigue, drowsiness – the body is not getting enough energy.
- Increased irritability, mood swings, social isolation.
- Excessive exercise – training is a daily routine and is never skipped, even when ill.
Psychological and emotional signs
- Linking self-worth to body weight or appearance – for example, "I am worthless if I don't look the way I should."
- Strong feelings of guilt or shame about eating.
- Lower self-esteem, perfectionism, constantly comparing oneself to others.
- Anxiety and depression – these can be both a consequence and a part of an eating disorder.
- Self-harm (e.g., cutting) – often accompanies eating disorders, especially in adolescents, who use it as a coping mechanism for emotional pain or loss of control.
When and where to seek help?
It is worth seeking help if:
- eating, body weight, or appearance cause daily anxiety;
- there are repeated binge eating episodes, secretive eating, or compensatory behavior;
- you feel that thinking about your body and food has started to limit your life.
It is worth seeking help if:
- eating, body weight, or appearance cause daily anxiety;
- there are repeated binge eating episodes, secretive eating, or compensatory behavior;
- you feel that thinking about your body and food has started to limit your life.
When seeking help, start with your family doctor – they can assess the situation and refer you if necessary.
Psychologists and psychiatrists can help diagnose and treat eating disorders.
Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, can be beneficial.
In some cases, nutritional counseling in combination with therapy may be necessary.
If the condition is very severe (e.g., malnutrition), hospitalization may also be required.