Eating Disorders

 

Eating disorders such as obesity, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa and other eating related difficulties are common in society, both for females and males. They are caused by a range of factors from social pressures to an individual’s vulnerabilities and as such should be dealt with as unique cases. Eating habits often become obsessions and if left untreated can be very harmful. Eating disorders not only cause significant stress to the sufferer but also generally include their family and friends.

 

Obesity

While some of us could stand to lose some weight, obesity is a very serious condition where excess body fat has accumulated due to excessive amounts of eating and a loss of control in dietary habits. Obesity can lead to shortened life expectancy and other debilitating illness such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer and osteoarthritis. Obesity can also lead to low self esteem and negative bogy image, both of which are harmful to an individual’s mental wellbeing.

Treatment can help you understand the causes for your eating difficulties and/or body image concerns and in turn equip you with tools to gain a healthier relationship with yourself and food. By understanding the thoughts and feelings that are responsible for eating difficulties, you can better arm themselves to prevent possible relapses.

 

Bulimia Nervosa (Binge Eating)

Bulimia is an eating disorder generally characterised by reoccurring binge eating closely followed by immense guilt and a reaction of purging; vomiting, excessive exercise, use of laxatives or fasting. Bulimia is very damaging to one’s health, both physically and emotionally, and causes a great amount of stress. Constant dieting and obsessive behaviour regarding food intake and exercise generally create significant stress and anxiety. Without proper support bulimia nervosa commonly leads to other related health issues.

 

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is an eating disorder where an individual suffers from an intense fear of gaining weight even though they are underweight. Extreme dieting and exercise regimes are often used to control weight. As with any eating disorder, anorexia can be very harming both physically and emotionally and is derived from a distorted image of oneself. Treatment for this disorder is imperative to provide the sufferer with a new body image that gives a perspective of realistic expectations and high self esteem.