There are many myths about eating disorders today Fitness Garage team answers most common questions about eating disorders, their symptoms, and how to treat them, since a large percentage of teenage girlsdevelop eating disorders under the age of 18, so we need to raise awareness from that side.
First question: Is eating disorder a choice?
Eating disorder is not a choice, but a very complex psychological and medical illness, It results from biological, psychological, and social factors, Among the social factors causing eating disorders is bullying about body shape. Eating disorders come with other illnesses like depression, anxiety, social phobia, OCD, and genetics play a role in some cases.
Second question: Do parents cause eating disorders?
Many studies show that eating disorders have causes other than genetics, Also, each case develops on its own. There's no single set of rules that fits everyone or prevents it. But family and the general environment play a role in treatment and recovery.
Third question: Do all women struggling suffer from an eating disorder?
Many cultures now are obsessed with food, weight, and body shape, So about 20 million women suffer from eating disorders, That's because eating disorder isn't one type, and most people who have it don't realize it until much later. Often some symptoms can risk the girl's life. Also, some communities see admitting it as a stigma like mental illnesses, which blocks diagnosis and treatment.
Question 4: Is an eating disorder really dangerous?
Eating disorder has the highest death rate compared to any other mental illness, Along with many side effects from binge eating or restricting food,And it often leads to suicide. There are complications like kidney failure and bone loss. So it’s a serious illness and needs treatment.
Question 5: Is an eating disorder caused by biological factors, and can it be recovered from?
There’s always hope for treatment, but it requires a different approach, And you need to know the other factors affecting the disorder, The therapist knows that relapses can happen during stressful times, and it's best for the therapist to step in quickly to avoid many complications.
Question six: Is eating disorder only for girls?
Eating disorders affect people regardless of gender, and many males also go to therapists because of eating disorders, so it’s not just a condition for girls.
Question seven: Is there a certain age for getting an eating disorder?
Symptoms of eating disorders can show up at any age, but many specialists say it often starts around age five And the sixth, During that time it also spread among teenage girls and young people due to social pressures and ideal body images. It's best to start treatment at any age as long as there are some symptoms.
Question eight: Does recovery take a long time?
Recovery time varies from person to person. Eating disorders often have many relapses but generally they get better. Recovery includes a new healthy lifestyle and healthy habits, that change life overall, regular exercise, and lots of self-care.
