Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are both eating disorders that commonly develop during adolescence. They share several features, including excessive concern about body shape and weight and a distorted perception of body image. People with these conditions may use extreme methods to control their weight.
Anorexia Nervosa
People with anorexia nervosa place excessive importance on their body shape and weight and have an intense fear of gaining weight. They may use various methods to control their weight and remain preoccupied with losing weight even when they are already significantly underweight.
Anorexia nervosa may develop following stressful life events. Some individuals induce vomiting, while others may misuse laxatives or weight-loss medication, severely restrict their food intake, or exercise excessively in an attempt to lose weight.
The condition commonly occurs alongside anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts or perfectionistic traits. It often begins during adolescence, particularly between the ages of 14 and 19, and is diagnosed considerably more often in females than in males.
Physical Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
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Absence of menstrual periods
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Constipation
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Abdominal bloating
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Abdominal pain
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Sensitivity to cold
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Fatigue
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Low blood pressure
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Low body temperature
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Dry skin
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Slow heart rate
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Oedema
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Anaemia
Long-Term Effects of Anorexia Nervosa
Prolonged anorexia nervosa can seriously affect both physical and mental health. It may impair fertility and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. Some of these effects may improve when adequate and regular nutrition is restored, although the extent and duration of recovery vary from person to person.
During nutritional rehabilitation, some patients may experience temporary swelling or oedema as the body readjusts to regular food intake. Recovery should take place under professional guidance, as careful medical monitoring may be required.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa commonly develops during late adolescence and is diagnosed more frequently in females. Like anorexia nervosa, it involves an intense fear of gaining weight and excessive concern about body shape and weight.
People with bulimia nervosa may use food to cope with distress, boredom or other difficult emotions. After an episode of binge eating, concerns about weight gain may lead to compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting or excessive exercise.
Although a person with bulimia nervosa may remain within a normal weight range, repeated bingeing and purging can cause serious health problems, including:
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Damage to the teeth
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Inflammation of the oesophagus
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Electrolyte imbalances
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Irregular menstrual periods
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Constipation
Causes of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex conditions that usually result from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, family and sociocultural factors.
Genetic Factors
Twin and family studies suggest that eating disorders have a hereditary component. People with a family history of an eating disorder may have a higher likelihood of developing one themselves.
Biological Factors
Research suggests that differences in brain signalling systems, including those involving serotonin, may play a role. Serotonin is involved in regulating appetite, mood and eating behaviour.
Sociocultural Factors
Social pressure to be thin and media messages promoting dieting or weight loss may influence how young people perceive their bodies and contribute to unhealthy eating behaviours.
Family and Interpersonal Factors
Family dynamics do not, by themselves, cause an eating disorder. However, certain patterns of interaction may contribute to stress or affect recovery, such as:
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Overprotective or controlling relationships that limit opportunities for independent problem-solving
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Avoiding disagreements or difficult conversations in order to maintain apparent harmony
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Blurred emotional boundaries and excessive involvement in one another’s feelings or decisions
Family members can also play an important and positive role in supporting treatment and recovery.
Treatment for Eating Disorders
Treatment depends mainly on the type and severity of the eating disorder. Mild or medically stable cases may be treated on an outpatient basis. Hospital admission may be required if the patient is significantly underweight or develops serious medical complications.
The initial aims of treatment are to restore physical health, establish regular and balanced eating habits, and reach a safer weight. Longer-term treatment focuses on maintaining a stable, healthy weight and addressing the psychological and behavioural factors associated with the condition.
Treatment may involve a combination of:
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Medical monitoring and nutritional rehabilitation
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Psychological therapy
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Family-based treatment
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Medication when clinically appropriate, particularly for associated mood or anxiety symptoms
An individual treatment plan should be developed following a comprehensive assessment by qualified healthcare professionals.