EATING DISORDERS

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WHAT IS AN EATING DISORDER?

EATING DISORDERS are characterized by irrational thoughts and behaviors regarding weight, food, and the perception of body image. The most important eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Other disorders are atypical or incomplete forms of the above and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder in children (ARFID).

EATING DISORDERS in general cause a large quantity of physical and mental health complications such as depression and anxiety, among others, that must also be treated.

 

RISK FACTORS

  • Female gender.
  • Obsessive character traits such as perfectionism, rigidity, obsessiveness, anxiety or impulsivity.
  • Family history of eating disorders (genetic vulnerability)

TRIGGERING FACTORS

  • Real or perceived overweight.
  • Repeated dieting to control weight.
  • History of teasing and criticism about physical appearance.
  • Sports activities that require having a thin body.
  • Previous bariatric surgery.
  • Traumatic experiences such as physical abuse or sexual abuse or involving other forms of violent acts.

FACTORS THAT MAINTAIN THE SYMPTOMS OVER TIME

  • Problems in family relationships.
  • Continuing non-medically indicated diets.
  • The presence of untreated mental disorders.

 

Anorexia and bulimia usually appear around puberty or during adolescence. Girls before puberty and adult women may also become ill. Although less frequently, men also present symptoms during adolescence

OUR BOOK

The book Cuando Tu Forma de Comer se Convierte en un Problema (“When the Way You Eat Becomes a Problem”) is written for children between 8 and 13 years old, parents and educators. It seeks to reinforce healthy eating habits and to educate on risk behaviors for eating disorders and obesity.

DOWNLOAD THE BOOK