Mental Disorders
Question #6821
40 days ago
49

Eating disorders - #6821

Anonymously

I’ve been struggling with my relationship with food, and I think I might have an eating disorder. What exactly are eating disorders, and how do they affect mental and physical health? From what I read, eating disorders include conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, where people have extreme behaviors related to food, weight, and body image. But how do doctors diagnose an eating disorder, and what are the warning signs? I also learned that eating disorders can cause serious health problems, including malnutrition, heart issues, and digestive complications. But do all eating disorders lead to weight loss, or can some cause weight gain and metabolic issues? Another thing I wonder is how eating disorders are treated. Do therapy and medications work, or does recovery require long-term lifestyle changes? For those who have recovered from an eating disorder, what was the most important step in getting better?

Eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia
Binge eating disorder
Mental health
Weight management
Body image
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
38 days ago
Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder involve extreme behaviors and thoughts around food, body weight, and self-image. They can lead to serious physical complications, including malnutrition, digestive issues, and even heart problems. However, not all eating disorders cause weight loss. Some, like binge eating disorder, can lead to weight gain and metabolic imbalances. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and sometimes physical exams. Warning signs include extreme focus on food, dramatic changes in weight, or preoccupation with body image. Treatment often involves therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes medication. Recovery is possible, and it often requires long-term lifestyle changes and emotional support.
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