The Impact of Eating Disorders in Women

Today, women are faced with pressure from peers and social media to strive for the ideal body type. Studies have shown that 33% of teenage girls believed they were overweight, and 56% of them were constantly trying to lose weight. More women are gradually engaging in unhealthy and intense dieting practices which drastically increase the chances of developing an eating disorder. The onset of an eating disorder usually occurs during the pre-adolescent years and can continue for years without the proper treatment.

There are several biological, social, and psychological risk factors that contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Having a family history of weight issues or other mental health issues such as OCD or substance abuse can predispose an individual to develop an eating disorder. A woman with a family member who has an eating disorder is 12 times more likely than the general public to develop the same eating disorder. Moreover, if an individual is surrounded by high levels of stress and unrealistic expectations, especially from sports, it can also negatively impact their eating habits.

While there are many different types of eating disorders, three of the main ones are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an individual severely limiting the amount of food they eat to prevent weight gain. They have an extreme fear of gaining weight and may perceive themselves as overweight even when they are thin. With anorexia, a woman may not be getting the proper nutrients or energy from their food which can lead to heart problems, anemia, osteoporosis, lack of periods, and issues during pregnancy.

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by an individual who eats a lot of food in a short period of time and purges the food by forcing themselves to throw up or by taking laxatives. Women with bulimia are also at risk for not receiving the proper nutrients. This can affect their bodies by causing electrolyte imbalance, stomach damage, ulcers, dehydration, problems with bowel movements, and irregular periods. It can also cause problems getting pregnant or during pregnancy by raising the risk for miscarriage, premature birth, or postpartum depression.

The last major eating disorder is binge eating disorder which occurs when an individual feels like they’re out of control and eats too much once a week for at least three months. They eat fast and usually feel embarrassed by their binge episodes. Many women who have binge eating disorder are obese or overweight and are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and problems with their menstrual cycle.

It is important to recognize the risk factors and signs of an eating disorder early on for prompt, appropriate treatment. Some of the different treatment options include psychological counseling which helps replace negative thoughts with healthier attitudes. There is also nutritional counseling which guides the individual to choose better nutritional habits and follow through with them. Additionally, it is essential to have a strong support system which is why family therapy is beneficial for individuals to aid in the recovery process. The overall goal is to treat the underlying psychological condition and promote long term remission and full recovery.

References:

OASH. (2022). Eating disorders. Eating disorders | Office on Women's Health. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/eating-disorders

Solsetice. (2021, March 26). A dangerous situation: Consequences of eating disorders in teen girls. Solstice East. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://solsticeeast.com/blog/eating-disorders-in-teen-girls/

Trevithick, K., Froeber, J., Miller, S. S., & Fulton, A. (2020, July 11). Eating Disorders. HealthyWomen. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://www.healthywomen.org/condition/eating-disorders/diagnosis