Helpful Information

Causes, Prevention and Treatment

What Causes Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are complex and have multiple causes. It is true that our culture, with it's idealization of thinness and the "perfect body" image contributes to these disorders; but long-standing psychological, interpersonal and social conditions play the major part. People with eating disorders often suffer from depression, anxiety and feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. Troubled personal and family relationships may also be a factor. Generally, there are several factors at play when a person developes an eating disorder.

How Can You Help Prevent Eating Disorders?

Educate yourself about eating disorders.

  • Read what medical research has to say about diets. THEY DON'T WORK. When you undereat, your metabolism slows down, creating the very condition you fear - a predisposition to gain weight even if you eat less and less. "No fat" is not a healthy diet, because people need a certain amount of fat to produce hormones, bone marrow and other vital bodily systems.
  • It is important to send the right messages to children regarding food and body image. A parent that is constantly worrying about his or her weight and making derogatory statements about the way they look is a powerful influence on a child. They may learn that unless they too have the "perfect body", they will never be happy or fulfilled. It is becoming more common for younger children to develop eating disorders. Be careful not to focus too much on your weight, your child's weight, or even other people's weight.
  • Give up dieting and eat well-balanced meals.
  • Listen to your conversation. Weight and appearance are the most common topics for women. "Boy, you look good. Have you lost some weight?" "I shouldn't have eaten that!" Make a pact with your friends to stop talking about your bodies, especially in a negative context, for a week.
  • Develop a healthy self-image by focusing on the positive aspects about yourself and others. Think about women you admire. Why do you admire them? There's a lot more to what makes a person attractive than physical appearance. Remember the truism: it's what's on the inside that counts.
  • Throw away the scales and get your mind off food by getting involved in other hobbies and activities that make you feel good.
  • Increase your physical activity, focusing on the pleasure of movement rather than on calorie burning.
  • Encourage the healthy expression of emotions in yourself and others. Learn better ways to communicate.
  • Give up "waiting to be thin" to do anything and get on with enjoying your life.
  • If you suspect that you or a friend has an eating disorder, seek help from a pediatrician or doctor who can refer you to a therapy program. Talk with your friend about specific behaviors you have noticed and express concern. Be supportive, not judgemental. If she denies having a problem, tell her that you are worried and need to do something about it to ease your mind (ie. give them material to read, tell a parent, a counselor, etc.). Offer to go with them to an assessment session or a support group.

Be aware that there are good resources available. Comprehensive programs that deal only with eating disorders are:

  • Medical College of Georgia Eating Disorders Program: 1-800-733-1828
  • The Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders (ANAD) sponsors a free support group in Norcross. For details, call Page Love at (404) 330-8856. The national ANAD number is (847) 831-3438.
  • Overeaters Anonymous can be reached at (404) 634-3314

Treatment

Some form of psychotherapy tailored to the individual is the most effective form of treatment. All aspects of influence on the disorder must be addressed (as mentioned in What Causes Eating Disorders) as well as the symptoms themselves. The length of treatment varies from months to years depending on severity and the amount of time the person has already had eating problems.

Treatment can be on an outpatient basis, which would include individual, group, or family therapy. Psychiatric medication, support groups, or nutritional counseling are often important for effective treatment.

Intensive outpatient treatment and/or day hospitalization is an alternative to traditional inpatient treatment. This form of intervention offers specialized treatment while enabling a person to continue with school, work, etc. The Atlanta Center for Eating disorders offers a variety of intensive outpatient services.

Hospitalization is recommended when an eating disorder has led to physical problems that are life-threatening. A specialized eating disorders inpatient program is the best choice when hospitalization is indicated.

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