There is no shortage of myths about eating disorders out there that continue to prevail – but the truth is that people of all ages, genders, and body types can develop an eating disorder. With recent research showing that a third of adults are unable to recognise common eating disorder symptoms, as well as our cultural fixation with disordered habits like fad diets, weight loss transformations, and beauty treatments designed to fix perceived “flaws,” it can be alarmingly easy to develop an eating disorder without even realising it. INSIDER spoke with three mental health experts who told us how seemingly harmless (or healthy) habits can turn into a full-blown eating disorder. Exercise becomes rigid, regimented, or punishing. Exercising can certainly be a healthy habit that benefits both your body and brain, helping you feel stronger both physically and mentally, and even better able to tackle stress in your daily life. But plenty of seemingly harmless exercise … [Read more...] about 12 warning signs of an eating disorder that may surprise you
Anorexia to binge eating help
Eating disorders are alarmingly common among pregnant women, and almost no one talks about it
Research suggests that roughly 1 in 20 pregnant women are suffering from an eating disorder(ED). Physical and emotional changes during pregnancy – and the postpartum period – can exacerbate these already life-threatening illnesses. Many choose to shoulder their condition in silence, fearing judgment if they tell family, friends, or doctors. Warning: This story contains descriptions of EDs that may be triggering for those in recovery or currently struggling with one of the disorders. By some measures, Jaquie Keith had a normal, uneventful pregnancy. She had no serious complications. She gained the requisite amount of weight and her belly swelled right on schedule. Towards the end, she could feel her son – who’d eventually arrive a week before his due date, perfect and healthy – move inside her. Deep down, though, her relationship to her changing body was fraught. Since high school, Keith had been battling bulimia. The eating disorder did get … [Read more...] about Eating disorders are alarmingly common among pregnant women, and almost no one talks about it
Father’s fears over new eating disorder guidelines prompted by tragic death of 19-year-old Suffolk girl
Averil Hart, who died in 2012 Picture: SUPPLIED BY FAMILY Archant The father of a 19-year-old Suffolk girl who died from anorexia fears many more patients have died as a result of how eating disorders are still treated. Averil was just 19 when she died. Picture: SUPPLIED BY FAMILYReacting to new guidelines on the illness published today, Nic Hart – whose daughter Averil collapsed in her flat at the University of East Anglia (UEA) on December 7, 2012 and died just over a week later – said “the devil is in the detail”.Most recommendations issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) this morning should have already been implemented, claims Mr Hart, who has fought for answers since Averil’s tragic death.“It is our family’s concern that since Averil’s death in 2012, many more patients have died as a direct result of how eating disorders are still treated,” he said.“[With these guidelines], the devil is … [Read more...] about Father’s fears over new eating disorder guidelines prompted by tragic death of 19-year-old Suffolk girl
Orthorexia: When clean eating becomes dangerous
Stephanie Moore, a nutritional therapist, weight and health coach and an eating disorders counsellor, explains how 'clean-eating' can become dangerous. 'Clean-eating' has become very popular in the last few years, especially among the young with social media promoting celebrities who eat clean and in particular vegan diets.It means free of additives and preservatives, organic, unprocessed, dairy free, sugar free, gluten free and/or free of all animal products - and the list goes on.With followers aspiring to look and live like their clean-eating idols, healthy food and lifestyle choices can rapidly escalate into extreme behaviours around food choices, time and amounts eaten and exercising routines.As a clinical nutritionist working with all kinds of aliments, it is my job to help people improve the food choices they make, enabling the body to function better as a result.But I have to be increasingly careful that I don't push people in to becoming overly obsessive about eating only … [Read more...] about Orthorexia: When clean eating becomes dangerous
Drexel launches outpatient clinic for eating disorders, weight management
Philadelphia area residents struggling with eating disorders and weight management issues are now invited to participate in a new outpatient treatment program offered by Drexel University at its West Philadelphia campus. The university announced on Thursday the launch of the WELL Clinic, an offshoot of the Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science. Intended to fill a gap in outpatient treatment options for adults, the WELL Clinic will accept patients dealing with a range of conditions, from anorexia and bulimia to binge eating, yo-yo dieting and other dietary disorders. “This clinic is a unique and much-needed resource for the Philadelphia community,” said Evan Forman, a psychology professor at Drexel and director of the WELL Center. “Patients will have access to evidence-based solutions in health-related behavior change. Almost every day, we talk to people who have trouble finding treatment, or who get poor results from treatment. We are setting out to change … [Read more...] about Drexel launches outpatient clinic for eating disorders, weight management