Eating disorders are a range of mental or psychological conditions that cause unhealthy eating habits. Eating disorders might start with an obsession with food, body shape, or body weight. Eating disorders also cause dangerous behaviors such as excessive exercise or extreme dieting.

Having an eating disorder can cause serious harm to your physical and mental health. Eating disorders can also lead to problems with family, friends, school, or work. It is essential to get treatment if you or someone you know might have an eating disorder.

At Hanei Health Solutions, we help people with eating disorders recover and learn healthy ways to manage their weight. We provide treatment, evaluation, and counseling. Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville assists in the recovery from an eating disorder, support people who have an eating disorder, and teaches new ways of thinking about food and exercise.

Types Of Eating Disorders

There are several types of eating disorders. Each class has different symptoms, causes, and treatments and can be dangerous to your health. It is essential to seek help if you have signs of an eating disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a severe mental illness characterized by severely restricting food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Left untreated, anorexia can cause life-threatening physical problems such as heart conditions or death.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a severe mental illness characterized by episodes of bingeing and purging. These episodes are followed by excessive efforts to hide and disown the behavior. People with bulimia often do not recognize their eating disorder.

Binge-Eating Disorder

Binge-eating disorder is a mental disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating or eating large quantities of food in a short amount of time. After binge eating, people may feel guilty, embarrassed, or upset and then try to compensate for overeating by purging or fasting.

These eating disorders often lead to serious physical, mental, and emotional problems. The effects are severe for children and adolescents with eating disorders.

If you or someone you know experiences an eating disorder, it is essential to seek help as soon as possible. You can visit one of our health centers in Catonsville or Gaithersburg, MD, or call us at 443-978-1330, and we will assist you in getting the help you need.

Risk Factors For Eating Disorders

When it comes to eating disorders, several factors can increase your risk. Some of these factors include:

Family History: A family history of an eating disorder is the most significant known risk factor for developing an eating disorder. People with a first-degree relation, such as a mother or father, with anorexia, or bulimia, are five times more likely to develop an eating disorder than those without one.

Starvation & Dieting: Starvation or dieting often can set off an eating disorder. Dieting is the most common risk factor for developing eating disorders because most people who develop an eating disorder are dieting at some point.

Stress: Stress can increase the chances of developing an eating disorder and the severity of symptoms if you create one. Eating disorders are often triggered by stressful events, particularly adolescence and young adulthood.

Other mental health disorders: A mood or anxiety disorder increases your risk of developing an eating disorder. The reverse is also true; eating disorders increase your chances of developing other mental health problems.

Health problems: If you have a persistent health problem, such as diabetes or heart disease, you may be more likely to develop an eating disorder. In addition, having an unhealthy weight can put you at risk of developing an eating disorder.

When it comes to these factors, the most important is not to be afraid to seek help. You must reach out if you feel like something is “off” or need assistance.

At Hanei Health Solutions, we provide much-needed help and treatment for those with eating disorders. We will work with you to create a plan and get you back on track. For more details or to make an appointment, call us at 443-978-1330 or visit us at our health centers in Catonsville or Gaithersburg, MD.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

The exact causes of eating disorders are still unknown. Eating disorders can affect anyone and can cause severe damage to your health. Some researchers believe that genetics may play a role in an eating disorder.

Other studies suggest that the risk of an eating disorder is increased by psychological stress. During adolescence, experiencing high levels of stress during puberty can lead to more intense symptoms in people who already have an eating disorder.

Signs And Symptoms Of Eating Disorders

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it is vital to seek help. Eating disorders can be severe and even life-threatening. The earlier treatment is sought, the better your chance of recovery.

Anorexia nervosa symptoms:

• Extreme fear of gaining weight

• Eating very little

• Excessive exercise

• Extreme thinness

Binge-eating symptoms:

• Eating an unusual amount of food

• Eating fast during a binge episode

• Frequent dieting

• Feeling distressed or guilty when eating

• Eating alone in secret

• Eating even if already full or not hungry

Bulimia nervosa symptoms:

• Forcing yourself to throw up or purge

• Doing intensive exercise

• Fasting

Some people who have an eating disorder may not show any signs or symptoms. Because of this, you should contact a professional as soon as possible if you suspect that you or someone you know has an eating disorder.

Diagnosis For Eating Disorders

A diagnosis of an eating disorder is important because it is a medical condition that requires treatment. The symptoms of an eating disorder can be treated, and you can learn steps to prevent the eating disorders from returning.

The diagnosis of an eating disorder differs depending on the type of eating disorder. Suppose you are diagnosed with an eating disorder. In that case, you will have a team of medical experts who will make a diagnosis and coordinate your treatment plan.