What is an eating disorder and why is it important to understand it?
- neretvapsicologa
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
What is an eating disorder and why is it important to understand it?
What is eating disorders in psychology and medicine?
Eating disorders , or eating disorders , are not just "problems with food." They are serious illnesses that affect both the mind and body. Understanding eating disorders is the first step toward detecting them early and providing support to those in need.
When we talk about an eating disorder in psychology , we're referring to a harmful and repetitive way of relating to food, the body, and weight. People with eating disorders often have a constant concern about their figure or what they eat, which ultimately affects their health and daily lives. Some of the best-known are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder (also called binge eating disorder ).
On the other hand, if we ask ourselves what an eating disorder is in medicine , we are talking about a mental illness that not only affects emotions but also puts physical health at risk. Eating disorders require treatment by a team of professionals: psychologists, nutritionists, and doctors, because it's not just about "eating more" or "eating less," but about healing the relationship with oneself and with food.
The WHO (World Health Organization) has noted that eating disorders are an increasingly common public health problem, especially among adolescents and young adults. However, more and more adults are also suffering from these disorders, often in silence.
Why is it important to know what an eating disorder is?
Sometimes people search for information about eating disorders in health or eating disorders in nutrition because, although they begin with food, eating disorders can affect the entire body. Nutrient deficiencies can cause heart problems, loss of muscle strength, damage to the digestive system, and also hormonal imbalances.
In addition, eating disorders (EDs) affect people emotionally: they cause low self-esteem, anxiety, irritability, profound sadness, and, in many cases, social isolation. All of this can affect a person's academic, work, and family life.
That's why it's so important not to minimize it or see it as just a "fad" or "a phase." The sooner we understand what it is and how it manifests itself, the sooner we can ask for help or support someone in need.
Types of Eating Disorders: Understanding Their Most Common Forms
Although they all have in common an excessive concern about weight, figure, and food, each manifests itself differently. Below, I'll explain the most common ones:
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia is characterized by extreme food restriction, accompanied by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of one's body. The person sees themselves as fat even when they are dangerously thin.
This distorted body image puts people with anorexia at risk, leading to severe malnutrition, loss of menstruation, bone problems, and damage to vital organs.
Example : Marta, 17, started by cutting out desserts and fried foods. Then she gave up bread and pasta, and finally, she barely ate any fruits or vegetables. Despite her extreme thinness, she looked in the mirror and still believed she needed to lose more weight.
Bulimia Nervosa
In bulimia, the person enters a cycle of binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a short period of time) followed by compensatory behaviors, such as inducing vomiting, using laxatives, or extreme exercise to "get rid" of the calories consumed.
The weight of a person with bulimia is usually normal or with small variations, making it a disorder that is difficult to detect from the outside.
Example : Twenty-year-old Lucía spent her days on strict diets, but at night she would binge. She would then secretly force herself to vomit, and no one in her family noticed, because her weight barely changed.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is similar to bulimia in that it involves episodes of excessive eating, but without compensatory behaviors. This causes the person to gain weight over time and suffer physical and emotional health problems.
This disorder often generates a lot of guilt and shame, and the person often eats in secret.
Example : Carlos, 35, would overeat after work, especially ultra-processed foods. He felt bad about himself afterward, but he couldn't stop repeating it day after day.
Selective or Avoidant Eating Disorder (ARFID)
In ARFID, the person avoids or restricts certain foods due to their texture, taste, or fear of choking. It's not related to body image, but rather to unpleasant or sensory experiences.
It usually begins in childhood, but can persist into adulthood if left untreated.
Example : Marcos, 8, refuses to eat anything other than pasta or white rice. His parents thought he was a "picky eater," but he actually felt very anxious about trying new foods.
Orthorexia
Orthorexia is an obsession with eating "clean" or "healthy." While seemingly positive, the problem arises when the person excludes essential foods, feels guilty if they don't follow their strict rules, and limits their social interactions for fear of eating out.
Example : Clara, 28, began eliminating sugars and flours, and gradually stopped eating anything she didn't consider "pure" or "natural." Her social life dwindled to a minimum, and her physical health also began to suffer.
Vigorexia
Vigorexia is based on an obsession with increasing muscle mass. People who suffer from it don't see themselves as strong enough, even if they have athletic bodies. They may spend hours training and abuse supplements or steroids.
Example: Javier, 24, spent more than 3 hours a day at the gym and took protein shakes and steroids without medical supervision, pursuing a physique he never considered "good enough."
What is an eating disorder (EAT) and symptoms: How to detect it early?
Early detection of an eating disorder can save lives. Symptoms vary, but some of the most common are:
Drastic changes in weight.
Avoid social or family meals.
Ritualize eating: cut into small pieces, eat very slowly or very quickly.
Obsession with calories, nutrition labels, or ingredients.
Compensatory behaviors: vomiting, laxative use, extreme fasting, or compulsive exercise.
Negative comments about your body or constantly comparing yourself.
Mood swings, irritability and isolation.
Knowing the symptoms of an eating disorder helps you stay alert and offer support before the disorder worsens.
How to help a person with an eating disorder
If you're wondering how to help someone with an eating disorder , here are some simple, practical tips:
Listen without judging . Often, the person just needs to be heard.
Avoid commenting on their weight or physique . This can reinforce their image obsession.
Encourage them to seek professional help . Psychologists, nutritionists, and doctors are key to recovery.
Be patient . Eating disorders don't disappear overnight. The process is long and sometimes involves relapses.
Get informed . The more you know about eating disorders, the better you can support them.
The support of those around you makes a huge difference. Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word or a heartfelt conversation.
💚 Taking care of your mental health is key 💚
Eating disorders are not a whim or a choice. They are complex illnesses that affect physical and emotional health. Understanding what an eating disorder is , its symptoms , and knowing how to help someone with an eating disorder can make all the difference.
If you think someone close to you, or you yourself, is struggling with this, don't hesitate to seek professional support. Asking for help is the first step toward recovery.
Author
Neretva Registered General Health Psychologist No. AN12813
Specializing in interventions for children and adolescents, I apply evidence-based therapies to create safe environments that promote healthy development.
My training includes a double master's degree in general health psychology and child and adolescent intervention, as well as a degree in psychology from the University of Seville.
In addition, I have complemented my professional profile with courses in psycho-oncology, couples therapy, intervention in psychotic disorders, and strategies for the prevention and intervention of suicidal behavior, among others.
Contact:
Email: neretvapsicologa@gmail.com
Telephone: 611 92 94 34
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