When Eating Becomes a Problem

I always say balance is the key to a healthy life. All of us don’t necessarily eat correctly ALL the time, but when we eat out of habit or find ourselves eating for reasons other than hunger, we may possibly be prey to an Eating Disorder. Other than the well-publicized eating disorders, there are numerous other ones that are less familiar but are equally dangerous. In this article we discuss the many types of eating disorders, their warning signs, possible causes and how to try managing it.

Definitions of a few eating disorders:

Anorexia Nervosa- (not to be confused with Anorexia which is simply a Lack of appetite) There are 4 criteria that need to be present to achieve a diagnosis: (1) failure to maintain body weight over a minimal normal weight for age and height, (2) the person must experience intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight, (3) the person must have a disturbance in the way his or her body weight, size, or shape is experienced, (4) amenorrhea must be present. Amenorrhea is the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles.
Bulimia Nervosa- Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by cyclical bingeing and purging episodes.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating that occur twice weekly or more for a period of at least six months. People with BED often present as either overweight or obese.

Anorexia Athletica

Most commonly found in pre-professional and elite athletes, though it can exist in the general population as well. People suffering from Anorexia Athletica may engage in both excessive workouts and exercising as well as calorie restriction.

Orthorexia

An obsession with healthy eating to the
extent that diet becomes too restrictive. Exercise Bulimia- Overeating and then over-exercising to ‘purge’ the body.

Bigorexia

Bodybuilders going to extreme and dangerous lengths to build muscle (including use of anabolic steroids).
Eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS)- People who exhibit symptoms of eating disorders but that can’t be specifically classified.

Warning signs that you may be heading in that direction:

Emotional eating, because you feel bored, depressed, lonely or angry, food is used here to distract you, suppress feelings or replace an ‘emptiness’; Eating out of habit is another sign; another is Using food as a reward, although this has been ingrained in our culture it is dangerous as reward is typically strongly associated with guilt, especially if food is used as a reward for eating well or sticking to a diet as the more one rewards themselves with forbidden food, the more guilt the experience, which may lead to emotional eating; Feeling unable to resist certain foods could also be a warning , rather eat in moderation and be aware of the consequences of what one is consuming, instead of restricting and then binge eating when given the opportunity; lastly the feeling of being out of control when eating is a sign, these people tend to feel out of control in other areas of their lives as well and eat accordingly.

Possible Causes:

There are many possible causes for eating disorders and here are just a few: Genetics (but is not inevitable, lifestyle and environment play a big role here); unbalanced brain chemicals may lead to emotional eating; hormones and stress may increase your appetite as well as fat storage; nutrient deficiencies may lead to cravings and uncontrolled cheat eating which may further lead to guilt and emotional eating; learned behaviors may run in your family; lastly underlying emotional issues, these include a broad ray of abuse, neglect, feelings of guilt or inadequacy which may lead to emotional eating.

Managing your emotional eating:

All of us are guilty of eating the wrong foods occasionally but if this persists it is important to figure out the underlying cause. Doctors can test your hormone and neurotransmitter levels and if insufficient may supplement. Psychological strategies may also help, such as distracting yourself from your urge to eat through constructive activities, identify cues that stimulate your urge to eat and try and avoid or prepare yourself for these situations and stimulants, keeping a food diary including the way you felt before and after eating and why may also make you aware of the cues that stimulate your eating as well as times and sources of the problem. These techniques may help you understand why you are eating the way you do and allows you to intervene appropriately. However, if you feel that you cannot manage it, it is best to seek the help of a health care professional that can refer you to the right sources of information as well as intervention such as a team of doctors, dieticians, psychologists, etc.

By: Lara Mountjoy
Article by @FuturelifeZA

About The Author

brigitte

Yes I am THAT girl that hopped around on an island in Panama on the first season of survivor South Africa (my claim to fame). Thank goodness I had a modeling career to fall back on because I was left starving and I didn't win the million bucks! I am anything but ordinary and I have learned to be ok with it. What drives me is the stuff that I love doing, spending time with good friends, learning from extraordinary people, drinking wine, writing, (did I mention drinking delicious wine?) I love traveling, nature, animals, exercise helping others to achieve their goals gives me a kick, I thoroughly enjoy music that moves me and love looking at and taking pictures that speak to me. I stay slim by following a healthy diet of wine and carrying my massive baby around (not sure how he got that big but he is huge, and very cute) - He is my absolute pinnacle out of everything I have done right so far. (I actually have some real weight loss secrets on The Jog Blog) I also run with my two Jack Russell's Jesse and James, James is really, lets call it, "big boned", so I wouldn't say we run marathons but we at least enjoy it thoroughly. Like all South African's I also love the odd South African Braai and grew up barefoot playing on dirt roads. The biggest goal in my life is to enjoy and savor every moment, to be mindful of each and every person and situation in my life and to be the master of my own mind. What do I do for a living? I have a bit of digital savvy, write a lot, manage projects and initiatives that help promote brands digitally and love a challenge. I am an avid entrepreneur Sport and Sports-development is close to my heart. I also proudly endorse Futurelife, Garmin, Adidas Eyewear and Cipla Nutrition. I help where I can do the best with what I have and give it my 110% I am the Glass-Half-Full girl and thank you for supporting The Jog Blog. You can have a look at my charity projects www.glamouraid.co.za or follow me @brigittewillers @glamouraid and @thejogblog oh and don't forget instagram @brigittewillers (totally obsessed) *laughs*