Compulsive overeating, rapid binges, or severe food restriction can indicate an eating disorder. These issues often worsen during stressful periods like lockdowns. Learn to recognize them early and take action to safeguard health.
Eating disorders (EDs) involve persistent or temporary behaviors that disrupt a healthy relationship with food, resulting in over- or under-nutrition.
Bulimia
Bulimia involves uncontrollable episodes of excessive eating, often high-calorie foods, leading to feelings of fullness or disgust. Guilt follows, prompting compensatory actions like laxative use, fasting, or self-induced vomiting.
Anorexia
Anorexia features food refusal and low appetite, driven by distorted body image. Individuals pursue extreme thinness through calorie restriction and purging, risking severe health complications. It primarily affects young women.
Binge Eating (Hyperphagia)
Similar to bulimia in binge episodes, binge eating lacks compensatory behaviors, often leading to overweight or obesity.
Who Is Affected?
EDs impact men and women of all ages, but in France, over 80% of cases involve adolescent females. Nearly 10% of the population may experience one[1]. COVID-19 lockdowns heightened anxiety, boosting calls to the Anorexia Bulimia Info hotline by 20% in April[2].
Bulimia risks obesity, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes. Binge eating similarly causes weight gain and emotional distress.
Anorexia leads to malnutrition, amenorrhea, hair loss, osteoporosis, low blood pressure, fatigue, and fainting. Advanced cases can cause permanent damage or death.
Take Vomiting Seriously
Repeated vomiting inflames the esophagus (esophagitis) via stomach acid and causes dehydration.
EDs often stem from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or body image issues. Watch for:
For anorexia specifically:
Some EDs resolve spontaneously after stress subsides. Persistent cases need professional intervention.
First Step: Open Up
Discussing the issue starts recovery. Confide in trusted friends or use helplines:
The Blue Buddy app offers food tracking and therapy tools. Consult a GP for diagnosis and referrals.
Therapy Options
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps rewire behaviors. Psychological support from therapists or psychiatrists addresses root causes. Severe cases may require hospitalization.
Complementary Approaches
Mindfulness via Petit Bambou yoga/meditation, or hypnosis, supports balance alongside therapy. Find practitioners through Médoucine.
Eating disorders range from mild to severe. Occasional binges aren't always alarming, but recurring patterns warrant attention to habits and professional guidance.
Source:
https://sante.journaldesfemmes.fr/fiches-Maladies/2537660-anorexie-mentale-definition-causes-treatment/
https://psychotherapie.ooreka.fr/comprendre/eating-troubles
https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/boulimie-et-hyperphagie-boulimique/boulimie-hyperphagie-boulimique-definition-causes
https://www.doctissimo.fr/medicines-douces/medicines-douces-perte-de-weight/medicines-douces-et-troubles-du-comportement-alimentaire-tca
[1] https://www.frm.org/recherches-autres-Maladies/troubles-des-conduites-alimentaires/focus-troubles-conduite-alimentaires
[2] https://www.rfi.fr/fr/podcasts/20200429-troubles-conduite-alimentaire-confinement
