Eating Disorders
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, however other types of eating disorders also exist. An Accredited Practising Dietitian can provide professional advice and support for anyone with an eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a serious disorder in which a person will starve themselves in an effort to be thin. Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:
- excessive weight loss
- depression
- poor self esteem
- loss of periods in females
- distorted body image
- preoccupation with food
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which the person may eat large amounts of food and then make an effort to either rid their body of the food or use up the kilojoules from the food. Methods to rid the body of food include vomiting or use of laxatives. Exercising excessively may be a way of using up energy (kilojoules) consumed. Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa include:
- secretive binge eating
- vomiting after eating
- frequent use of laxatives
- depression
- over-exercising
- weight fluctuations
Other forms of eating disorders may often exhibit some but not all of the features of either anorexia or bulimia nervosa.
Eating disorders can be caused by a number of different things. It is usual for psychological factors to influence their development. Often eating disorders occur during adolescence and young adulthood. Although eating disorders are more common in females, they can also occur in males. The age of onset of eating disorders is becoming younger as society has an increasing preoccupation with an 'ideal' body shape. The incidence of eating disorders in males is also increasing.
People with an eating disorder or suspected eating disorder should seek professional help. An
Accredited Practising Dietitian
can offer counselling, support and advice about eating. An Accredited Practising Dietitian will often work with other health professionals such as Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners to treat the disorder.
