The Eating Disorder Awareness Week provided vital information and education about conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Millions are affected worldwide, with a significant rise observed since the onset of the Covid crisis. Triggering factors vary, including both genetic predispositions and environmental influences. How can one identify warning signs? What triggers these disorders? Dr. Diane Morfin, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Hospices Civils de Lyon, shares insights on the topic during the ‘Votre Santé’ program on BFM Lyon.
The Eating Disorder Awareness Week has highlighted the importance of informing and supporting those affected. Widely misunderstood and often stigmatized, eating disorders impact an estimated 70 million individuals globally, transcending age, gender, and background.
In France, it is estimated that around 600,000 to 900,000 individuals suffer from anorexia, while bulimia affects nearly 2% of the general population. This awareness campaign aims to break taboos and foster open discussions about these intricate conditions. Dr. Diane Morfin provides clarity on these disorders during the ‘Votre Santé’ program on BFM Lyon.
Understanding And Identifying Eating Disorders
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders (ED) is a broad classification encompassing various illnesses. The three primary types are anorexia nervosa, which many are somewhat familiar with. This condition involves severely restricting one’s food intake, leading to significant weight loss.
Bulimia nervosa is another well-known eating disorder characterized by binge-eating episodes, where individuals consume large amounts of food rapidly and without enjoyment, often followed by purging or excessive exercise to avoid weight gain.
Lastly, binge eating disorder shares similarities with bulimia but lacks compensatory behaviors. This disorder leads to significant weight gain over time.
Which Disorder Is Most Common?
While the aforementioned disorders are considered typical, atypical eating disorders are actually more prevalent. Classic anorexia nervosa with severe malnutrition is relatively rare. Conversely, binge eating disorder, often unnoticed, is among the more common disorders.
Atypical forms also exist, such as anorexia where significant weight loss occurs without reaching a clinical level of malnutrition. These atypical eating disorders are frequently overlooked yet constitute a significant portion of cases.
Rising Trends In Eating Disorders: What Factors Are Involved?
Have You Noticed An Increase In Eating Disorders In Your Practice?
Yes, since the Covid crisis, we have observed a significant rise in eating disorders, largely attributed to increased anxiety, psychological distress, and a desire for control.
While certain profiles are common, it’s essential to recognize that eating disorders can affect anyone. Primarily affecting women, they also impact men. The onset of anorexia typically occurs around age 15, although it can manifest earlier or later. In the case of binge eating disorder, adults are predominantly affected.
Do Social Media Play A Role In The Emergence Of These Disorders?
Studies suggest that social media influences body dissatisfaction and self-image, both of which are contributing factors to the onset of eating disorders. During the Covid lockdowns, many young people became increasingly engaged with social media, developing a desire to control their food intake and physical activity, thus creating conditions favorable to the emergence of ED.
Preventing Eating Disorders: What Should You Know?
What Are The Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Eating Disorders?
All significant weight fluctuations in children and adolescents warrant attention. For instance, a child who fails to gain weight during growth is concerning. Rapid weight loss or gain also signals potential issues. However, early symptoms often manifest as changes in relationship with food, such as increased rigidity or obsession with diet and exercise, which should prompt immediate consultation, even before significant weight impact is observed.
Are There Specific Triggers Or Contributing Factors In The Development Of Eating Disorders?
Triggers can range from seemingly minor remarks to significant trauma or distressing life events. Most often, eating disorders result from multiple factors rather than a single cause.
Research has indicated certain genetic factors also play a role. Since 2020, eight genes associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders have been identified, highlighting their hereditary nature.
Is There A Pathway To Recovery?
What Are The Ways To Recover? Are There Treatments Or Psychological Support Available?
There is always hope for recovery, even for long-established eating disorders!
When it comes to treatment, it’s vital to engage a multidisciplinary team. Nutritional support must align with psychological care, and family involvement should focus on utilizing their resources to aid in recovery rather than placing blame for the disorder.
Is There A Risk Of Relapse?
Certainly, relapse is a possibility. Some experts consider it a normal part of the recovery journey. Therefore, it’s advisable to continue psychotherapy for several years after weight restoration.
You can find the replay of the ‘Votre Santé’ program aired on June 4, 2024, here.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
Eating disorders (ED) significantly impact both the mind and the body. For instance, individuals with anorexia often exhibit physical signs such as the development of fine hair (lanugo) on their bodies as the body attempts to maintain warmth during starvation.
